Balfour Beatty starts work on Scottish power transmission projects

Balfour Beatty has begun work with SSEN Transmission 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 in August 2023.

This first phase of works will see Balfour Beatty provide technical solutions for:

• The new 400kV Beauly to Blackhillock overhead line
• The new 400kV Blackhillock to Peterhead overhead line
• The new 400kV Fetteresso to Tealing overhead line
• The upgrade of the Tealing to Alyth overhead line to 400kV operation
• The upgrade of the Tealing to Westfield overhead line to 400kV operation
• The construction of a new 400kV substation near Peterhead
• The construction of a new 132kV substation near Peterhead
• The construction of a new 400kV substation near Braco
• The extension of the New Deer substation and 400kV cable connections to the New Deer 2 substation

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, enabling 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.

This award marks the first step in the delivery of the onshore transmission infrastructure required for SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme, which will contribute to securing future energy independence by enabling the connection and transportation of affordable, homegrown low carbon power.

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.”

As part of the early contractor involvement phase, which is currently underway with more than 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.

Construction contracts for these nine projects are expected to be awarded from the end of 2025 into 2026.