Overview
Alignment Consultation Events: May and June 2024
We are hosting another series of public events across the project route from 20 May until 20 June 2024.
We will be sharing our potential alignment for the overhead line, with alternative alignment options in some locations, presented through maps and visualisations. Interested parties can attend our drop-in events to discuss our plans with the project team and share views.
Updated information relating to the proposals will be available to download from the 'Project Downloads' tab of this webpage from Wednesday 08 May.
The open-door drop-in face to face consultations will be held at numerous locations.
About the Project
In order to support the continued growth in onshore and offshore renewables across the north of Scotland, supporting the country's drive towards Net Zero, investment in network infrastructure is needed to connect this renewable power and transport it from source to areas of demand across the country.
Extensive studies have confirmed the need for a new 400kV connection between Beauly and Peterhead, connecting into substation sites at Blackhillock and New Deer. The project includes the following elements:
- A new 400kV connection between Beauly and Blackhillock
- A new 400kV connection between Blackhillock and New Deer
- A new 400kV connection between New Deer and Peterhead
- New 400kV substations and associated infrastructure at Beauly, Blackhillock, New Deer and Peterhead
- Removal of the existing 132kV overhead line from Beauly to Knocknagael following establishment of the new 400kV connection
Find Out More About New Beauly Area 400kV Substation
Find Out More About New Blackhillock 400kV Substation
Find Out More About New Deer 2 400kV Substation
Find Out More About Peterhead 2030 Developments
This video outlines how the project contributes to our role in delivering Net Zero.
Pathway to 2030
The Pathway to 2030, published by National Grid ESO, the electricity system operator for Great Britain, sets the blueprint for the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to enable the forecasted growth in renewable electricity across Great Britain.
The projects identified within the Pathway to 2030 are critical to delivering the UK and Scottish Government’s offshore wind targets. To deliver these targets, we are investing over £10bn to upgrade the network infrastructure across the north of Scotland as the region plays a leading role in the clean energy transition.
As part of this investment, there is a requirement for a new 400kV connection between Beauly and Peterhead.
Beauly to Peterhead Story Map
Our Environmental Consultants, WSP, have created a story map where you can find out more information on the project.
Please let us know if you require information in an adapted format such as paper copy, large print or braille and we will work with you to accommodate your preferences. We are happy to accommodate all reasonable requests for adapted communications.
Stakeholder Engagement
The Beauly – Blackhillock – New Deer – Peterhead 400kV Project is currently in the development stages. Public consultations took place in April 2023 to inform the community on progress to date with the project and we sought feedback from all interested parties.
In this video, Project Manager Catherine Swan and Community Liaison Manager Ryan Davidson describe the approach we are taking to develop our proposals, and the opportunities that are available for stakeholders to feed into the design process.
Our Commitment to Restart
Several years ago, we were developing proposals for a new overhead 400 kV reinforcement between Beauly, Blackhillock and Kintore. However, it was concluded in 2017 that the project was not required at that point in time.
As a stakeholder-led business and following local feedback, we made a commitment to review options for the project should it be required in the future, and we are sticking to that commitment by revisiting the development process, allowing for a period of fresh public engagement. Due to wider changes in the energy system, particularly the development of Peterhead as a critical node on the transmission system, the project scope has also changed meaning the project will no longer connect into Kintore.
Webinar - North of Scotland: Delivering a Pathway to Net Zero
The project was featured in our Spring 2022 regional webinar 'North of Scotland: Delivering a Pathway to Net Zero', attended by over 180 stakeholders from across the region. The webinar provided an overview of our projects in construction and development across the north of Scotland (Highlands, Islands, Moray and Aberdeenshire) and described the role of the north of Scotland in delivering a Network for Net Zero. A recording of the event can be viewed here:
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
Project updates
Project Documents
Next steps for Pathway to 2030 network developments
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The challenges with undergrounding at 400kV
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- Date:
- 18 March 2024
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- 424.8 KB
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Delivering a Postive Environmental Legacy Booklet
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- Date:
- 12 February 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
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Delivering a Lasting Legacy Leaflet
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- Date:
- 12 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
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How has the need for Pathway to 2030 projects been assessed and determined
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- Date:
- 14 November 2023
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- 5.1 MB
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SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for 2030 network developments
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- Date:
- 11 October 2023
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- 122.3 KB
Consultation Events - Feb - March 2024
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Public Event Booklet Feb/March 2024
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- Date:
- 13 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.1 MB
Event booklet for February and March 2024 events
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Refined Route Maps - All Sections 1-11
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- Date:
- 12 February 2024
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- 105.7 MB
Refined route maps across the route covering sections 1-11
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Constraints Maps - All Sections 1-11
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- Date:
- 12 February 2024
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- 51.5 MB
All constraints maps for section 1-11
Report on Consultation
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Report on Consultation - Commuity Council Briefing - Beauly - Peterhead 400kV OHL Project
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- Date:
- 14 December 2023
- Size:
- 6.8 MB
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RoC - New Beauly Area 400kV Substation - Figure 2 - Proposed Site.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
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- 1.6 MB
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Report on Consultation - New Beauly Area 400kV Substation and HVDC Converter Station.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
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- 2.3 MB
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Summary ROC - Beauly to Peterhead.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
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- 2.8 MB
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Report on Consultation - Beauly to Blackhillock to New Deer to Peterhead 400kV OHL.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 3.9 MB
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RoC - Beauly - Peterhead OHL - Figure 4.10 Proposed Route to be taken to Alignment.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
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- 5.8 MB
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RoC - Beauly - Peterhead OHL - Figure 1.1 - Route Options Shared at Consultations.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
- Size:
- 10.6 MB
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RoC - Beauly - Peterhead OHL - Preferred Route with Amendments.pdf
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- Date:
- 01 December 2023
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- 14.1 MB
April Consultation Event Materials
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Consultation Booklet - April 2023
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- Date:
- 14 July 2023
- Size:
- 76.6 MB
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Route Consultation Document - April 2023
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- Date:
- 15 April 2023
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- 44.2 MB
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Section 1 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
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- 2 MB
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Section 2 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
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- 20 MB
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Section 3 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
- Size:
- 4.6 MB
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Section 4 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
- Size:
- 24.4 MB
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Section 5 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
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- 3 MB
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Section 6 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
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- 15.5 MB
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Section 7 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
- Size:
- 8.7 MB
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Section 8 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
- Size:
- 21.2 MB
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Section 9 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
- Size:
- 24.2 MB
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Section 10 - Constraints Map.pdf
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- Date:
- 13 April 2023
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- 3 MB
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Section 11 - Constraints Map
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- Date:
- 12 April 2023
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- 6.6 MB
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1. Sections 1-3
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- Date:
- 12 April 2023
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- 63.3 MB
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2. Sections 3-5
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- Date:
- 12 April 2023
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- 18.4 MB
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3. Sections 5-8
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- Date:
- 12 April 2023
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- 19.9 MB
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4. Section 7-9
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- Date:
- 12 April 2023
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- 25.6 MB
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5. Sections 9-11
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- Date:
- 12 April 2023
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- 17.5 MB
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6. Section 11
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- Date:
- 12 April 2023
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- 15 MB
Project Documentation
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Pathway to 2030 - areas surrounding Beauly - Options as of April 23.pdf
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- Date:
- 27 April 2023
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- 6.4 MB
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BBNP Poster.jpg
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- Image
- Date:
- 12 April 2023
- Size:
- 1.5 MB
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Beauly to Peterhead Report on Consultation
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- Date:
- 27 March 2023
- Size:
- 9.1 MB
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North of Scotland Webinar March 2022 - Post-Webinar Q&A.pdf
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- Date:
- 30 October 2022
- Size:
- 306.8 KB
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Beauly to Peterhead Consultation Document September 2022.pdf
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- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 510.5 KB
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Consultation Booklet Sept 2022
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- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 14.3 MB
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Consultation Poster Sept 2022
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- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 3 MB
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All Beauly to Peterhead Consultation Document Figures.pdf
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- Date:
- 07 October 2022
- Size:
- 28.1 MB
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The challenges with undergrounding at 400kV
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 March 2024
- Size:
- 424.8 KB
-
Delivering a Postive Environmental Legacy Booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 12 February 2024
- Size:
- 5 MB
-
Delivering a Lasting Legacy Leaflet
- Type:
- Date:
- 12 February 2024
- Size:
- 2.2 MB
-
How has the need for Pathway to 2030 projects been assessed and determined
- Type:
- Date:
- 14 November 2023
- Size:
- 5.1 MB
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SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for 2030 network developments
- Type:
- Date:
- 11 October 2023
- Size:
- 122.3 KB
Project FAQs
Who we are
About the Pathway to 2030 projects
Our approach to routeing and public consultation
Environmental considerations
Communities and landowner considerations
Cost and engineering considerations
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Latest Links
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Report on Consultation
Our Reports on Consultation across our three new overhead line projects and associated substation and convertor station developments have now been published. These reports provide a summary of the extensive feedback received during consultation, how this has been considered and confirmation of which routes and substations are now being taken forward to the next stage of development.
Our Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab.
Summary Reports on Consultation are also available for each of the three schemes and can be downloaded below:
- Summary Report on Consultation Spittal to Beauly
- Summary Report on Consultation Beauly to Peterhead
- Summary Report on Consultation Kintore to Tealing
A stakeholder webinar available for all to join will be held in the coming weeks to share the changes informed by the feedback. More information about the forthcoming webinar will be shared on our events page shortly.
In further recognition of community feedback, we will seek to rationalise cumulative infrastructure impacts through the removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines, where technically practical and appropriate, and subject to all necessary planning consents and landowner agreements.
Work to identify and assess potential sections of existing overhead line where their removal will reduce cumulative impacts is ongoing, with an update expected as part of the next round of public consultation on overhead line alignments and more detailed substation designs in early 2024.
We would once again like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to engage with our early consultation process. We will continue to engage with stakeholders ahead of consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine our proposals.
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Report on Consultation
Over the course of this year, we have undertaken extensive consultation on plans to upgrade the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland and have received a considerable amount of feedback from a wide range of stakeholders regarding our proposals.
We recently advised in our next steps for 2030 network developments update that following assessment of consultation feedback and additional options analysis, we would publish our Report on Consultations (RoCs). These reports provide a summary of the feedback received and how it has been considered, which options we will take forward to the next stage of the development process and any changes to options initially consulted on.
It is our intention to publish the RoCs during the week commencing 27 November. All stakeholders signed up for updates on the project will receive a link to the report and we will also issue Summary Reports to help ensure accessibility.
These Report on Consultations mark the completion of the first round of non-statutory consultation, where we sought feedback on the corridor, route, and substation locations. We will be consulting further with local communities and stakeholders in the new year, as we look to refine the projects, therefore we welcome an open channel of communication and would like to reassure all stakeholders that there will be further opportunities to engage on this project.
Our Reports on Consultation and Summary Reports on Consultation are now available to download from the Project Documentation tab. -
SSEN Transmission sets out next steps for Pathway to 2030 network developments
We have announced our next steps for our Pathway to 2030 programme of projects. We would like to thank everyone who has engaged with our teams and kindly taken the time to respond to our consultations.
Full details of the announcement can be found here:
Next steps for Pathway to 2030