Aberdeenshire Council has granted approval for Netherton Hub – a key component of SSEN Transmission’s programme of grid upgrades across the north of Scotland, supporting clean power and energy security targets.

The Netherton Hub is a key component of the Perth-headquartered company’s £22bn+ investment programme and is part of a wider renewal of the electricity transmission system across Great Britain that is required to enable the homegrown low-carbon electricity needed to deliver clean power and energy security targets. The need for the project has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator, Ofgem.

Community feedback has helped shape the hub’s design, addressing concerns about flooding and visual impact through a range of measures. Once complete, the site will comprise:

• A 400kV substation to support offshore and onshore electricity generation
• A 132kV substation to support further future generation and storage connections from third party developers
• The Spittal to Peterhead High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from new generators in the north of Scotland to demand centres throughout the UK
• The Eastern Green Link 3 HVDC converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from generators in the north of Scotland to Norfolk and beyond
• A further transmission hall, with capacity for more infrastructure to future-proof the growing network
• A spares warehouse and operations base

Now that consent has been granted, construction of the Netherton Hub is expected to commence early next year. 

Alison Hall, director of development for SSEN Transmission, said: “We are delighted with today’s decision, allowing us to progress a world-leading energy hub helping unlock the homegrown low-carbon electricity generation required to help deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations.

“Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is also a major driver of jobs and economic activity, and we have already seen the positive impact of our projects in the north-east of Scotland – including Eastern Green Link 2 which has so far generated over £9m for the local economy in and around the Peterhead area.

“In addition, our community benefit funding proposals, ambitious housing legacy commitments, and the creation of new jobs within SSEN Transmission and our supply chain partners are also helping deliver a positive legacy in local communities.

“Today’s decision marks a key milestone in delivering UK and Scottish Government energy targets – one that will deliver a new strategic hub for onshore and offshore projects that will be critical to delivering a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system for future generations.”

The Netherton Hub forms a key part of SSEN Transmission’s plans to invest at least £22bn in the period until March 2031, potentially rising to £31.7bn. It represents one of the largest ever private investment programmes in Scotland and will act as a major driver of jobs and economic growth across the country.