BALFOUR Beatty has secured the contract to deliver the main construction works for SSEN Transmission’s Netherton Hub project near Peterhead.
Following early enabling works, the next phase will see the construction and installation of the major clean energy project’s core infrastructure.
The Netherton Hub will include a 400kV substation, a 132kV substation, and HVDC converter stations to support the Spittal to Peterhead, Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) and Eastern Green Link 5 (EGL5) subsea projects.
Part of SSEN Transmission’s £29 billion programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland, the project will play a critical role in delivering clean, renewable power to homes and businesses, supporting Scotland and the UK’s clean power and energy security ambitions.
The construction phase is expected to deliver significant benefits for the local and regional economy – with a strong focus on local jobs, skills development, and regional supply chains.
SSEN Transmission added that local contractors will play a ‘central role’ alongside businesses across the region – supporting hundreds of jobs during construction and generating hundreds of millions of pounds in economic value.
To date, £6.6 million has already been spent with Aberdeenshire-based suppliers on initial works, supporting around 120 local jobs.
Darren Main, project director at SSEN Transmission, said, “Appointing Balfour Beatty to deliver the main construction works at Netherton Hub is an important milestone as we progress this strategically significant project. These works mark the next stage of our partnership, building on Balfour Beatty’s role in delivering the initial works.
“Investment in our electricity transmission network is also a major driver of jobs and economic activity, and the Netherton Hub will support hundreds of jobs across the supply chain, boosting the local economy in Aberdeenshire and creating opportunities for graduates and apprentices.
“We now look forward to working with Balfour Beatty to deliver a world‑leading strategic energy hub for onshore and offshore projects. This infrastructure will be critical to delivering a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy system for future generations.”
Philip Hoare, Balfour Beatty Group chief executive, added, “Securing this contract reinforces Balfour Beatty’s position at the forefront of the UK’s energy infrastructure market.
“The Netherton Hub will play a pivotal role in enabling the delivery of secure, homegrown, low-carbon power at scale. We are proud to be working with SSEN to deliver infrastructure of such national importance – drawing on our proven expertise in complex, large-scale projects.”
“Works will commence imminently. At peak construction, Balfour Beatty will employ approximately 800 people, with at least 5% of the workforce made up of apprentices and graduates, in line with the company’s commitment to The 5% Club.”
