SSEN Transmission has announced that the second of two major components in the development of Rothienorman Substation is set to arrive at the site this weekend.

Following on from the successful arrival of the first transformer in October, the SSEN Transmission team is gearing up for the delivery of the final transformer to Rothienorman Substation as part of the second phase of major work at the development.

Working with principal contractor Balfour Beatty, the project involves upgrading the existing infrastructure at the substation from 275 kilovolts (kV) to 400kV, this increased capacity will help accommodate the connection of more renewable generation from across the north of Scotland, playing a key role in the transition to net zero emissions.

As part of this, two surpergrid transformers - each weighing around 130 tonnes - along with the associated equipment and components will be installed at Rothienorman Substation, with the first of the units successfully delivered in October.


The next transformer will be delivered on Sunday 13 November and will follow the same format as the first delivery, with specialist haulier Rawcliffe transporting the 130-tonne unit via convoy using a large 12-axle specialist vehicle under the guidance and supervision of Police Scotland. The transformer will depart from Aberdeen Quay at 8am and make its way to Rothienorman substation via the A96, A920 and B992.

Due to the size of the transformer, the delivery vehicle will be travelling at a reduced speed for safety, and it is expected the journey will take between three and five hours. No road closures are required to facilitate the movement of the transformers, and vehicles should be able to pass the convoy at regular opportunities on the road network under guidance from Police Scotland, when safe to do so.

SSEN Transmission Project Manager Arthur Sinakov said: "We're gearing up for the second and final delivery of our major supergrid transformers, which are key components in our ongoing Phase Two development at Rothienorman Substation.

"The first transformer was successfully delivered with minimal impact to road users last month, and safely arrived at the site in just under three hours from Aberdeen Quay. The second unit will be delivered in the exact same planned route as before, and we aim to complete the complex delivery as quickly and safely as we can.

"As ever we want to thank the local community in advance for their patience and understanding while we transport these transformers onto their final location in Rothienorman."

Construction of the substation, located around two miles west of the village of Rothienorman, began with Phase one in 2019, and is part of a wider strategy to reinforce the transmission network in the North East and East Coast of Scotland to accommodate increased renewable energy generation, helping to deliver a network for net zero.