SSEN Transmission has begun the process of submitting its Section 37 overhead line consent application for a proposed 400kV overhead line project connecting Kintore in Aberdeenshire and Tealing in Angus.

The application is expected to be submitted to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit by Friday, 5 September.

The project is a crucial part of SSEN Transmission's 'Pathway to 2030' investment programme, which is projected to see at least £22 billion of private investment by March 2031. This is part of a wider renewal of the electricity transmission system across Great Britain, necessary to meet UK and Scottish clean energy targets.

The submission marks the culmination of an extensive development process that began in 2022. This included one of the largest public consultation exercises ever seen in the north of Scotland, with 40 events held to inform the project's design. This feedback led to significant changes, including relocating a proposed substation from Fiddes to a new site at Hurlie in Fetteresso Forest. Other route changes were made around Brechin, Forfar, Drumoak, Echt, Schoolhill, and Careston to reduce the impact on local communities and the environment.

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Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, said the project is a "key milestone" in delivering government energy targets and "unlocking the homegrown low-carbon electricity generation required to help deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system."

The Kintore-Tealing project is expected to deliver more than £21m of community benefit funding, with each substation contributing a further £530,000, for a total of more than £22m. Associated reconductoring projects are also expected to generate an additional £10m. The company's 'Pathway to 2030' programme could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland and add up to £7bn to the Scottish economy.

In line with new Scottish Government guidance, a formal consent decision is expected within 52 weeks.