SSEN Transmission has awarded a major contract to BAM and Siemens Energy as part of the delivery of its Greens substation project in Aberdeenshire.
BAM and Siemens Energy will play a key role in delivering the new 400kV substation near New Deer, which will strengthen the north-east electricity network and enable the connection of renewable energy to homes and businesses across the UK.
The project will also create significant opportunities for local businesses in Aberdeenshire, alongside delivering new housing and community benefit funding for local communities.
The Greens substation forms part of SSEN Transmission’s £29 billion programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland – supporting the growth of clean energy and delivering long-term economic benefits for communities.
The contract signing is the first for an onshore substation being delivered by SSEN Transmission under the accelerated strategic transmission investment (ASTI) framework, a regulator-backed approach to enable critical grid upgrades in support of national renewable energy ambitions.
Paul Cooley, director of onshore capital delivery at SSEN Transmission, commented, “Signing this contract with BAM and Siemens Energy is an important step in progressing our Greens substation project, which will play a key role in delivering Scotland and the UK’s clean power and energy security ambitions, while supporting the local economy in Aberdeenshire.
“This project will deliver real benefits across the north-east, supporting jobs, skills and opportunities for local businesses, many of which are already playing a key role.
“It also reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy, with investment in community funding and the delivery of 69 new homes in Turriff.
“We look forward to working with our delivery partners and the local community as we prepare to begin main construction later this year.”
Adrian Collins, director of energy networks Scotland at BAM, added, “The UK has a big challenge ahead to reach net zero, and upgrading the electricity transmission network will be crucial in the transition to renewable energy.
“This is BAM’s first project as part of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, which focuses on enhancing electricity transmission through significant investment, and marks the continuation of our strong working relationship with SSEN Transmission as we support the delivery of critical energy infrastructure across Scotland.”
Carl Trueman, head of substations business at Siemens Energy UK&I, said, “This announcement marks another major milestone in Scotland’s grid upgrade and builds on our strong delivery record, working in partnership with SSEN Transmission and BAM. With the UK targeting up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030, projects like Greens are critical to scaling the transmission network to connect renewable generation from the north of Scotland to key demand centers across the UK.
“The greens substation goes beyond a conventional installation by combining synchronous condenser technology with SF6-free, clean air insulated circuit breakers with vacuum switching technology and also strengthening system stability and resilience in a renewables-driven system. That means cutting greenhouse gases from transmission infrastructure while delivering the modern, resilient grid needed to support growth, energy security and the UK’s clean power ambitions.”
Local contractors will play a key role in delivering the project, alongside a wider network of regional businesses, supporting jobs and driving economic activity throughout the construction phase, SSEN Transmission added.
Among those supporting delivery is Aberdeenshire-based David Smith Contractors Ltd, a civil engineering firm with extensive experience across the north-east. The company has formed Power Partners Scotland Ltd to deliver the construction phase of the Greens substation project, providing specialist civil engineering and groundworks.
David Smith, MD at David Smith Contractors Ltd & Power Partners Scotland Ltd, commented, “As a local company, we are proud to have been chosen to play a key role in another nationally important project in the north-east. Following our involvement in Eastern Green Link 2, being appointed to deliver works on the Greens project is a real vote of confidence in our team and the local supply chain.
“This is testament to the quality of our workforce, many of whom live and work locally, and to the strong working relationships we have built with SSEN Transmission and their delivery partners. Our involvement in this project has allowed us to form Power Partners Scotland Ltd with our business partners Ground Developments Ltd, allowing both companies to expand, employ more local talent and create opportunities for those who would like to forge a career in civil engineering.
“Our involvement is also helping us extend our social value work, including STEM activities and career days with local schools, and apprenticeship and placement opportunities with local colleges and universities – giving young people in the area a direct route into an industry that is delivering Scotland’s energy future.
“We’re proud to be part of the team delivering this important infrastructure for the north-east, and we look forward to getting started on site.”
In addition to these benefits, the project will support the delivery of new housing in Aberdeenshire, through an agreement with Springfield Homes to deliver 69 new homes in Turriff. Initially supporting the project workforce, these homes will later be made available to the local community, offering a mix of affordable, social, and private housing for sale and rent to help ease local housing pressures. This project forms a key part of SSEN Transmission’s long-term housing legacy initiative, announced in 2024.
