SSEN Transmission has begun drilling at Rattray Head, near Peterhead, marking a key construction milestone for the Spittal to Peterhead High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) scheme.

Work that commenced this month involves Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) beneath the coastline to forge the critical connection between onshore and offshore infrastructure.

The landfall HDD is expected to be among the longest forward-drilled power cable landfalls attempted, running approximately 1.7 kilometres from the onshore compound to a seabed exit point.

On completion, four ducts will be installed beneath the coastline and nearshore area. Three will carry the operational HVDC cables, with a fourth spare duct added to provide future resilience.

This installation is a central element of the Spittal to Peterhead subsea link, designed to carry renewable electricity from the north of Scotland to customers nationwide. It forms part of a broader programme of grid investment to bolster energy security and accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient electricity system.

-- Advertisement --

By deploying HDD, the cables can be routed deep under the shore and nearshore waters, significantly reducing surface disturbance and helping to limit impacts on local communities and sensitive coastal habitats.

Niall Macleod, Project Director for SSEN Transmission's Spittal to Peterhead HVDC subsea link, said: "The start of drilling at Rattray Head represents a significant milestone for the project. This technically complex installation will create the essential link between our onshore and offshore infrastructure, helping deliver a major reinforcement of the UK's electricity transmission network.

"Horizontal Directional Drilling allows us to install critical infrastructure beneath the coastline while minimising impacts on the surrounding environment and local communities. Reaching this milestone is testament to the extensive planning and collaboration that has gone into preparing for the execution of these works."

The specialist HDD operation is being delivered by cable supplier NKT and its sub-contractor LMR, who are providing engineering expertise, drilling equipment and techniques. Activity is expected to continue over the next 12 months.

Once complete, the Spittal to Peterhead HVDC subsea link will increase transmission capacity, enabling more renewable power to reach centres of demand across Great Britain.