Aberdeenshire Council has officially approved the Netherton Hub, a strategic development by SSEN Transmission that will play a vital role in upgrading the electricity grid across the north of Scotland. Located west of Peterhead, the hub supports UK and Scottish Government targets for clean power and energy security.
The Netherton Hub is a key part of SSEN Transmission’s £22bn+ investment programme and the wider transformation of Great Britain’s electricity transmission system. The project has been independently assessed and approved by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and Ofgem.
Once complete, it will feature:
- 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
Construction is expected to begin early next year.
The Netherton Hub is expected to deliver over £2.5m in community benefit funding and contribute significantly to the local economy.
Independent analysis by BiGGAR Economics suggests SSEN Transmission’s full investment programme could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland and add £7bn in economic value, including £3bn in the north.
SSEN Transmission’s workforce has grown from 400 in 2019 to over 2,500 today, with plans to recruit 600 more roles in 2025/26. A new operational depot in Peterhead will support at least 20 full-time roles.
The Pathway to 2030 programme will also support the development of at least 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland, creating lasting housing legacy for local communities.
"“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.
Alison Hall, Director of Development for SSEN Transmission
“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.”"