SSEN Transmission has awarded a major contract to BAM and Siemens Energy to deliver the new 400kV Greens substation near New Deer. Working in partnership, the two firms will play a central role in constructing the facility, which aims to reinforce the north-east electricity network and facilitate the connection of renewable energy to homes and businesses across the UK.

The development is set to create extensive opportunities for local enterprises in Aberdeenshire, alongside providing new housing and community benefit funding for regional areas. The Greens substation forms part of a broader £29bn programme to upgrade the electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland to support clean energy growth and bring long-term economic gains to local populations.

The contract signing marks the first onshore substation to be delivered by SSEN Transmission under the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework. This regulator-backed approach is designed to enable critical grid upgrades in alignment with national renewable energy targets.

Paul Cooley, Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, commented: "Signing this contract with BAM and Siemens Energy is an important step in progressing our Greens substation project, which will play a key role in delivering Scotland and the UK's clean power and energy security ambitions, while supporting the local economy in Aberdeenshire. This project will deliver real benefits across the north-east, supporting jobs, skills and opportunities for local businesses, many of which are already playing a key role. It also reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy, with investment in community funding and the delivery of 69 new homes in Turriff. We look forward to working with our delivery partners and the local community as we prepare to begin main construction later this year."

Adrian Collins, Director of Energy Networks Scotland at BAM said: "The UK has a big challenge ahead to reach net zero, and upgrading the electricity transmission network will be crucial in the transition to renewable energy. This is BAM's first project as part of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, which focuses on enhancing electricity transmission through significant investment, and marks the continuation of our strong working relationship with SSEN Transmission as we support the delivery of critical energy infrastructure across Scotland."

-- Advertisement --

Carl Trueman, Head of Substations Business at Siemens Energy UK&I, said: "This announcement marks another major milestone in Scotland's grid upgrade and builds on our strong delivery record, working in partnership with SSEN Transmission and BAM. With the UK targeting up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, projects like Greens are critical to scaling the transmission network to connect renewable generation from the north of Scotland to key demand centers across the UK. The Greens substation goes beyond a conventional installation by combining synchronous condenser technology with SF6-free, clean air insulated circuit breakers with vacuum switching technology and also strengthening system stability and resilience in a renewables-driven system. That means cutting greenhouse gases from transmission infrastructure while delivering the modern, resilient grid needed to support growth, energy security and the UK's clean power ambitions."

The construction phase will drive local economic activity, with regional businesses and local contractors taking on key roles. Aberdeenshire-based civil engineering firm David Smith Contractors Ltd has joined forces with Ground Developments Ltd to form Power Partners Scotland Ltd, which will supply specialist groundworks and civil engineering services for the project.

David Smith, Managing Director, David Smith Contractors Ltd & Power Partners Scotland Ltd, said: "As a local company, we are proud to have been chosen to play a key role in another nationally important project in the north-east. Following our involvement in Eastern Green Link 2, being appointed to deliver works on the Greens project is a real vote of confidence in our team and the local supply chain. This is testament to the quality of our workforce, many of whom live and work locally, and to the strong working relationships we have built with SSEN Transmission and their delivery partners. Our involvement in this project has allowed us to form Power Partners Scotland Ltd with our business partners Ground Developments Ltd, allowing both companies to expand, employ more local talent and create opportunities for those who would like to forge a career in civil engineering. Our involvement is also helping us extend our social value work, including STEM activities and career days with local schools, and apprenticeship and placement opportunities with local colleges and universities – giving young people in the area a direct route into an industry that is delivering Scotland's energy future. We're proud to be part of the team delivering this important infrastructure for the north-east, and we look forward to getting started on site."

As part of the project's long-term housing legacy initiative announced in 2024, an agreement has been established with Springfield Homes to build 69 new homes in Turriff. These properties will initially support the project workforce before being transitioned over to the local community as a mix of private, social, and affordable housing for sale and rent.

Furthermore, the development will supply over £500,000 in dedicated community benefit funding over its lifetime, with spending priorities determined in consultation with local residents. The project will also foster skills and employability through partnerships with local schools, universities, colleges, the DWP, and regional employment bodies to offer placements, training, and clear career pathways.