SSEN Transmission, the Perth-based electricity network company, has commenced a significant upgrade at its existing New Deer substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a key phase in developing the infrastructure required for Scotland's clean power and energy security targets.

The extension will accommodate the forecast surge in homegrown, clean power generation across the north of Scotland.

The work, which takes place entirely within the existing substation site boundary, will add four new electricity connection bays to the platform, enabling future large-scale renewable projects to connect to the transmission network. This strategic investment is essential for managing the rapid growth of both onshore and offshore clean energy sources.

The project is a crucial component of SSEN Transmission's ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme, which involves a commitment to invest at least £22 billion in the coming years. This programme will see significant construction of new substations, underground and subsea cables, and overhead lines across the north of Scotland, unlocking the region's clean power potential and delivering local benefits and jobs.

Balfour Beatty has been appointed as the principal contractor for the New Deer substation extension. In line with SSEN Transmission's commitment to supporting local supply chains, Balfour Beatty will collaborate with north of Scotland firms, including Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland Ltd and Forres-based AJ Engineering, to deliver key elements of the project.

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Paul Cooley, Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, highlighted the dual benefit of the scheme: "The start of construction work at our existing New Deer Substation marks a significant step in our wider onshore Pathway to 2030 programme of transmission infrastructure for the north of Scotland. While the work involved in this project all takes place within the existing New Deer Substation site, the project will play a major role in connecting new renewable energy to the grid and help to transport clean energy to where it is needed. The project – which will see around 40 working at the site during peak construction – also supports local contracts to firms across the north of Scotland, including AJ Engineering who are based in Forres and Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland, and we're looking forward to working with them. We're committed to engaging with the local community throughout the project's construction to maximise business and other opportunities. By investing in our network today, we're building a clean energy future."

Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission & Distribution business, said: "We are proud to be delivering the New Deer substation extension on behalf of SSEN Transmission. Our appointment is testament to our unrivalled expertise and the capability of our people. We now look forward to working closely and collaboratively with SSEN Transmission, as we lay the groundwork for a successful construction phase and help power the UK's journey to net zero."

Iain Henderson, Global Infrastructure CEO, commented that the extension provides further opportunity for continued growth: "We're looking forward to playing a significant part in the successful delivery of the New Deer substation extension for one of our key clients, Balfour Beatty. Working with Balfour Beatty over the last 20 years in the energy sector has helped develop our business immensely, and our partnership with SSEN Transmission – most recently delivering strategic warehouses in Dalcross and Dundee – has also been central to our continued growth. We are keen to remain a trusted supply chain partner for both organisations on future projects."