A planning application has been submitted to Dundee City Council for a new 132kV substation in the Stannergate area, near Dundee Harbour. The proposed facility by SSEN Transmission will play a dual role: it will house a new 132kV feeder station to support Network Rail’s ambitious plans to electrify the rail network, and it will replace the ageing Dudhope substation, which has been providing power to Dundee for nearly 60 years.

The project is also set to create local employment opportunities and deliver £530,000 in community benefit funding, which will be available to support local initiatives.

Initial work on the site is anticipated to begin next year, with full construction slated for early 2027. The new substation is scheduled for completion in 2029. The development will involve necessary cabling works to connect to both the rail network and existing transmission and distribution networks, with efforts focused on minimising disruption during this phase.

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Robert Crisp, SSEN Transmission’s Project Manager, commented: “With the existing Dudhope substation nearing the end of its operational lifetime, the proposed Stannergate 132kV substation will enhance local network security and help ensure a reliable supply of power to the city. At the same time, the associated new feeder station for Network Rail will support its ambitions to electrify the rail network, in line with the company’s decarbonisation targets.”

He added that the project demonstrates how upgrades to electricity transmission networks are "helping keep the lights on locally, while supporting wider clean energy ambitions in the transport sector and in our cities – as well as delivering substantial employment and community benefit opportunities." SSEN Transmission thanked those who provided feedback during pre-application consultations, which helped shape the plans.