SSEN Transmission has reached a key stage in its Beauly 132kV Reinforcement Project with the successful energisation of new infrastructure at the existing Beauly Substation.

The scheme replaces ageing equipment at the site, some of which has been in service since the 1960s. The upgraded assets are designed to improve network security, increase resilience and operational flexibility, and enable further growth in renewable generation across the north of Scotland.

At the heart of the milestone is the transition to a new 132kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) installation, housed in a purpose-built building. The first section of the facility is now live, strengthening the grid and supporting Scotland's move to a secure, low-carbon energy system.

Three 1970-era transformers have also been renewed as part of the works, each weighing more than 140 tonnes. The first of these has been connected to the new system, helping regulate power flows through this critical substation.

With the initial 132kV equipment energised, teams will now integrate the remaining circuits onto the new GIS before decommissioning and removing the older outdoor 132kV plant.

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Since work to modernise the substation began in 2022, SSEN Transmission and its contract partners Siemens Energy and BAM Nuttall have supported local initiatives, including volunteering in Beauly's community gardens, giving Beauly Primary School's playground a mini-makeover, donating to food banks and backing Christmas appeals.

Local firms have also featured strongly in delivery, with Beauly-based Global Infrastructure carrying out elements of the civil works, alongside McDonald Scaffolding of Invergordon and Inverness-based Pointers Ltd, supporting jobs and the regional supply chain.

Matthew McKessick, Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, said: "The successful energisation of the new 132kV components at Beauly is a major achievement for everyone involved in the project and represents a significant milestone in the modernisation of this important part of our transmission network.

"This investment will provide increased operational flexibility and network resilience, while creating the capacity needed to connect more renewable energy to the grid and support Scotland's clean energy ambitions.

"Energising the new site is testament to the extensive collaboration and hard work between our project teams, our contract partners Siemens Energy and BAM Nuttall, and stakeholders, which has helped us to safely reach this important stage of the project.

"As ever, we'd like to thank the local community for their continued patience and understanding, and will keep them informed as we enter the final phases of work to complete this project."

The Beauly 132kV Reinforcement Project is part of SSEN Transmission's wider investment programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland, facilitating new renewable connections and the transition to a cleaner, more secure energy system.

Activity at the substation will continue through the remaining phases, including transferring existing circuits to the new equipment and the eventual decommissioning of the legacy 132kV infrastructure.