SSEN Transmission has announced a change to its plans for the Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead line project, confirming it will no longer proceed with the proposed Coachford substation to the south of Keith.

The decision follows extensive site surveys and ground condition investigations, which revealed engineering and construction challenges at the initially selected location.

Despite these unanticipated difficulties at Coachford, SSEN Transmission has identified a solution that will allow the objectives of the Beauly to Peterhead 400kV project to be maintained, and future network development to be delivered. This aligns with the broader goals of achieving clean power and energy security targets, alongside associated economic benefits and employment opportunities.

Coachford was initially one of four substations planned along the route of the Beauly-Peterhead 400kV project, which forms part of a wider programme of investments in Great Britain's electricity transmission system necessary for clean power and energy security.

While the Coachford site will not be progressed for the 2030 delivery, the overall Beauly to Peterhead 400kV project and its initial objectives remain on schedule. This will continue to support government energy ambitions and the significant local and national economic benefits and jobs arising from the clean energy transition.

A new substation in the wider area will still be required to support future network development plans, including a second subsea link from Shetland, by the early 2030s. Work will now commence to identify an alternative suitable site, incorporating lessons learned from the extensive engagement and consultation undertaken during the development of the Beauly-Peterhead project.

-- Advertisement --

Nick Brown, Development Portfolio Manager at SSEN Transmission, explained: “After carefully considering a number of options, we will no longer be proceeding with the previously proposed Coachford Substation as part of the Beauly to Peterhead project and will be looking to deliver the initial objectives of Coachford at another site, associated with future network developments. Work to explore potential alternative sites will get underway soon, making use of the insight gathered to date from both community consultation and our site selection and development process.

“The Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead line project remains a critical infrastructure scheme designed to support the delivery of Scotland and the UK's energy security and clean power targets. By 2030, we will now build three new substations rather than four – with alterations made to accommodate this change. Crucially, the proposals will still deliver the power transmission and grid connectivity requirements identified under our ‘Pathway to 2030' investment programme. While the Coachford substation won't now be built by 2030, a new substation in the area will still be required by 2033 to meet future network demands and reduce infrastructure impact. We will now actively explore alternative options to deliver the network capabilities originally planned at Coachford. That work will involve identifying potential new sites in line with ongoing and future network development needs. The company will build on the significant insight already gathered from the Coachford planning and consultation process, ensuring that lessons learned inform future site selection and design.”

SSEN Transmission has pledged transparent and inclusive engagement and will begin a renewed period of communication with stakeholders to explain these changes. The project team will reach out to local communities, landowners, and developers to provide detailed updates and offer support regarding the revised scope and its implications.

Nick Brown added: “We understand that changes to large infrastructure projects can raise questions and concerns within local communities. However the ground condition challenges found at the Coachford site have necessitated these changes. We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure they are fully informed and have opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in the next stages of the project's development.”

The Beauly to Peterhead 400kV project is one of several being progressed as part of SSEN Transmission's £20 billion ‘Pathway to 2030' investment programme, vital for delivering Scotland and the UK's energy security and clean power targets.