SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council for a new 400kV substation at Hurlie, near Fetteresso.

The new substation is a key component of the Kintore to Tealing 400kV overhead line project, which aims to increase the capacity of the electricity transmission network and facilitate the connection of renewable energy sources.

The proposed location at Hurlie was selected after community feedback led to the abandonment of plans for a substation at Fiddes. The new site offers environmental and technical advantages.

The substation will feature a 400kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) and will incorporate measures to minimise its visual impact, such as landscaping and screening.

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SSEN Transmission has also developed plans to mitigate the impact of construction traffic on the local road network.

Calum Grant, Senior Development Project Manager from SSEN Transmission, said: "The Hurlie substation is a key part of our proposals for a new 400kV overhead line between Kintore and Tealing, supporting the delivery of 2030 offshore wind generation targets set by the UK and Scottish Governments.

"Our proposals have sought to take account of the views of the local community with whom we have consulted extensively – indeed, community feedback led us to move the project from its original proposed location at Fiddes to the current site.

"In selecting this location we have sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective, and we would like to thank those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events which helped shape our proposals.  

"Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is crucial if we are to achieve the country’s energy security and clean power objectives, and it’s also a major driver of jobs and economic activity locally and across the north of Scotland.

"We now look forward to working with Aberdeenshire Council and stakeholders in the lead up to determining the planning application."