SSEN Transmission is to host a series of public consultation events on proposals to increase the capacity of the East Coast transmission network.

The energy provider is seeking input on the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme, which proposes the development of new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure, which it believes are required to enable the connection of renewable energy across the north of Scotland, play a critical role in the fight against climate change and help secure the country's future energy independence.

Following the publication last year of the National Grid Electricity System Operators 'Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design', the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme was developed as part of a GB wide programme of reinforcements, required to deliver Government 2030 targets.

The East Coast 400kV Phase 2 scheme involves establishing a new 400kV overhead line (OHL) between Kintore and Tealing via Fiddes, alongside two new 400kV substations at Fiddes and Tealing to enable future connections and export routes to areas of demand. In addition, existing 275kV overhead lines from Tealing to both Alyth and also to Westfield in SP Transmission's network require upgrading to 400kV operation.


SSEN Transmission is inviting feedback on the scheme's potential route options and substation site locations – which have been determined following detailed assessments and studies and initial input from stakeholders.

SSEN Transmission Lead Project Manager Calum Grant said: "The new overhead line from Kintore to Tealing is part of a GB wide programme of upgrades to our critical national electricity transmission network infrastructure that is key to help achieve UK and Scottish Government 2030 targets, helping deliver a pathway to Net Zero and secure the country's future energy independence.

"We've carried out extensive studies to determine our initial proposals so far, which has involved adopting sophisticated digital technology to identify corridor options from Kintore, and the proposed sites at Fiddes and Tealing. These corridors were defined based on avoiding geographical mountainous terrain to the west of the line; and minimising proximity to towns and villages, airport restricted zones, existing transmission infrastructure and main trunk roads such as the A90 and A92.

"We are seeking feedback on our initial proposals for the new overhead line between Kintore and Tealing, with this local feedback and expertise key to helping us further refine our plans and inform more detailed route alignments for the project.

"As a stakeholder-led business, we will be working closely with the local community and wider stakeholders to help inform the ongoing development of this project and encourage anyone with an interest in our proposals to visit us at one of our consultation events to share their views, which will be carefully considered as we further refine our plans.”

The consultation events will be taking place on:

• Wednesday 3 May - Ardoe House Hotel, Ogston Suite, 2-7pm

• Thursday 4 May – Laurencekirk, Dickson Hall, 2-7pm

• Tuesday 9 May - Brechin, Brechin City Hall, 2-7pm

• Wednesday 10 May – Kirriemuir, Westmuir Hall, 2-7pm

• Thursday 11 May – Tealing, Tealing Village Hall 2-7pm

A virtual event will also be held on Wednesday 17 May between 4pm and 6pm to share more information about the project for anyone unable to attend the events in person.

All feedback on the East Coast proposals will be welcomed until Friday 9 June.