BALFOUR Beatty has begun work on the development of nine electricity transmission projects across the north of Scotland.
The work forms part of SSEN Transmission’s pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme, to which Balfour Beatty was appointed to in August 2023.
Phase one of works will see Balfour Beatty provide technical solutions for the new 400kV Beauly to Blackhillock overhead line; 400kV Blackhillock to Peterhead overhead line; and 400kV Fetteresso to Tealing overhead line.
Further to this will be the upgrade of the Tealing to Alyth overhead line to 400kV operation and upgrade of the Tealing to Westfield overhead line to 400kV operation, as well as the construction of a new 400kV substation near Peterhead, a new 132kV substation near Peterhead, and a new 400kV substation near Braco. An extension of the New Deer substation and 400kV cable connections to the New Deer 2 substation will also be delivered.
During this initial phase of works, Balfour Beatty will provide its expertise to support SSEN Transmission to identify and resolve any potential construction challenges, streamline the planning process, advise on the best use of materials, plan the phasing of work to ensure optimal productivity, and scope out the use of modern methods of construction.
In addition, and as a result of this level of early contractor involvement and the long-term nature of SSEN Transmission’s pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme, Balfour Beatty will strategically map the talent required to deliver the nine projects – which it said will enable the company to invest in capability and expertise, and provide long-term career opportunities to people in the surrounding area, including apprenticeship and graduate roles as part of the company’s commitment to The 5% Club.
Steve Tarr, Balfour Beatty’s chief executive officer of transport, energy, and power major projects, said, “As the largest power transmission contractor in the UK, we have a key role to play in realising the UK and Scottish Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets.
“This early-stage collaboration is incredibly exciting for all of us at Balfour Beatty, as it will allow us to bring our knowledge, built and fostered over 100 years, to the fore of these ambitious schemes to drive efficiencies and speed up the construction programme.”
Tony Scott, director of capital development and delivery at SSEN Transmission, said, “We’re delighted to have Balfour Beatty working with us to help deliver our ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme.
“At SSEN Transmission we have a longstanding relationship with Balfour Beatty and the knowledge and experience that they will bring will prove invaluable in helping to deliver the critical national infrastructure that is needed to make net zero a reality.”
As part of the early contractor involvement phase, which is currently underway with over 100 people from across Balfour Beatty involved, work will start in Spring of this year. Main construction is expected to commence in 2026, with energisation of all nine projects expected by 2030.
