The projects will be delivered in the early 2030s. Credit: SSE.

The British Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) has approved funding for several transmission infrastructure projects in Scotland.

The approval allows SSEN Transmission to advance pre-construction activities such as community consultations and supply chain engagement.

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It marks a significant step forward in the Centralised Strategic Networks Plan, Beyond 2030, published in March 2024 by the former National Electricity System Operator (NESO).

NESO’s plan suggests a series of enhancements to both offshore and onshore networks, requiring £58bn in direct investment for electricity infrastructure.

The improvements would enable the integration of an additional 21GW of offshore wind energy, along with other low-carbon generation sources throughout the UK.

The projects approved by Ofgem, to be delivered in the early 2030s, are the Shetland Hub, NNNC, DSUP, BKUP and PKUP. All are focused on enhancing Scotland’s transmission capabilities.

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The Shetland Hub project involves a second high-voltage direct current subsea link from Shetland to the Coachford substation.

NNNC will see a new 400kV circuit between the New Deer and Greens substations. DSUP will establish a new 400kV double circuit between Dounreay, Thurso and Banniskirk, with new substations at Dounreay and Thurso.

BKUP will rebuild the existing Blackhillock-Kintore 275kV double circuit to 400kV, with a new substation along its route.

PKUP will increase the capacity of the Peterhead to Longside 400kV double circuit and upgrade the existing Peterhead-Persley-Kintore 275kV circuit to 400kV, including installing a higher capacity conductor on sections of the Kintore-Alyth-Kincardine circuit.

SSEN Transmission’s recent RIIO-T3 business plan submitted to Ofgem referenced the need for these investments.

SSEN Transmission managing director Rob McDonald stated: “Today’s decision is an important milestone in unlocking the funding required to begin key pre-construction activities, including early development consultation and supply chain engagement, and is another important step in our national endeavour to deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations.”

The projects will require an appropriate regulatory framework to move forward, along with securing planning approvals and supply chain commitments.

The projects will also undergo extensive public consultation to inform the development of the network infrastructure requirements. The consultation aims to ensure that the projects meet the needs of all stakeholders involved.

In a related development, SSEN Transmission recently inaugurated a new offshore hub in Inverness, Scotland, designed to accommodate 100 people.

The facility aims to attract the supply chain to the Highlands and provide a collaborative space for project stakeholders.