SSEN Transmission has secured planning consent from Aberdeenshire Council for its Greens 400kV substation project, marking a significant step in upgrading Scotland's electricity infrastructure.

The decision was made today, Friday, 3 October, by the council's Infrastructure Services Committee and follows two years of development and "extensive community and stakeholder engagement" that included three face-to-face consultation rounds.

Key Project Details and Connectivity

The new substation, which will feature Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS), will be constructed east of Turriff and south of Cuminestown. Its strategic purpose is to:

• Connect to SSEN Transmission's proposed Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead line (OHL).

• Link to the existing New Deer substation via underground cable.

• Help deliver high-voltage, clean renewable power to homes and businesses, supporting national energy security and low-carbon targets.

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The need for the project is part of a wider renewal of Great Britain's electricity transmission system, which has been independently approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator, Ofgem.

The Greens substation is a key part of SSEN Transmission's massive £22 billion investment plan until March 2031, which could potentially rise to £31.7 billion. This represents one of the largest private investment programmes ever for Scotland and is expected to be a major driver of jobs and economic growth.

• Job Creation: Independent analysis forecasts that the full £31.7bn investment could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland, including 8,400 in the north. SSEN Transmission itself has grown its workforce from around 400 in 2019 to over 2,500 today, with plans to recruit a further 600 new roles in 2025/2026.

• Community Funding: The substation alone is expected to deliver £530,000 in community benefit funding, contributing to the over £100 million in community benefit funding expected across the north of Scotland from the overall investment plan.

• Housing Legacy: The company's "Pathway to 2030" programme also includes plans to support the development of at least 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland. This commitment will create a legacy of housing that will support local needs after construction workers have departed.

Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission, welcomed the decision, stating that the investment is "a major driver of jobs and economic activity," which will help deliver a "cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system."