Project will involve uprating existing transmission line from 275kV to 400kV – a major boost to energy security and clean power targets
Project expected to unlock £2.8m in community benefit funding alongside major jobs boost and supply chain opportunities
SSEN Transmission welcomes the decision by Scottish Ministers to grant Section 37 consent for the reconductoring project between Alyth in Perth & Kinross and Tealing in Angus.
Reconductoring involves upgrading transmission lines by replacing the overhead conductors and insulators – the components that carry electricity between towers - with newer, often more efficient versions between existing transmission towers.
The positive consent decision for this project will see the existing overhead lines, insulators and fittings between Alyth and Tealing being upgraded from 275kV to operate at 400kV, increasing the lines capacity to enable the continued growth in low carbon electricity generation across the north of Scotland.
The project will use existing towers between Alyth substation and Tealing substation, with the overhead conductors, fittings and insulators replaced along the approximate 14km stretch of the route. Works to reinforce existing tower foundations and steel structures will be undertaken, although no additional towers will be constructed as part of the project.
Receiving Section 37 consent from Scottish Ministers marks a major milestone for the project and another significant step forward towards construction. Enabling works are expected to begin in 2026, with reconductoring due to get underway in 2028.
The project is expected to generate more than £2.8m in community benefit funding, with more details to follow in the coming months on how this will be made available.
The project is part of a wider upgrade of the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, designed to transport large volumes of clean power to homes and businesses across the country – helping to meet energy security and clean power targets for Scotland and the UK.
Rob McDonald, Managing Director at SSEN Transmission, said:
“We’re delighted to receive consent for the Alyth to Tealing overhead line project - an important milestone in upgrading the electricity network across the north of Scotland to support our national drive toward energy security and a cleaner, greener future.
“As one of the early approvals under our Pathway to 2030 investment programme, it reflects the critical role these infrastructure upgrades play in enabling Scotland’s transition to net zero and meeting ambitious clean energy targets.
“We’re pleased that the project is also set to deliver over £2.8 million in community benefit funding, a significant investment in local areas, with more details coming soon on how communities can access this support.
“We’re grateful to all those who engaged with us during the consultation process and we remain committed to working closely with local communities as we move forward with delivery.”
The Alyth-Tealing 400kV reconductoring project forms part of SSEN Transmission’s ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme - a major programme of electricity transmission projects that are part of the business’s plans to invest at least £22bn in the coming years.
This investment will see the construction of new substations, subsea and underground cables and overhead lines across the north of Scotland. The programme will unlock Scotland’s homegrown, clean power potential, and deliver the infrastructure needed to meet national energy security and clean power targets, all while bringing jobs and local benefits to the community.