SSEN Transmission has awarded a significant contract to a partnership between BAM and Siemens Energy for the development of its Greens 400kV substation in Aberdeenshire.
This milestone marks a crucial step in the company’s ambitious £29 billion programme to reinforce the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. The project near New Deer is designed to bolster the north-east electricity network and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources for homes and businesses across the UK.
The Greens substation is a vital component of the proposed Beauly to Peterhead 400kV overhead line connection, which received planning consent in October 2025. Its delivery falls under the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, a regulatory initiative launched by Ofgem in December 2022 to fast-track critical grid upgrades essential for the UK’s renewable energy ambitions.
Paul Cooley, Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, commented on the development: “Signing this contract with BAM and Siemens Energy is an important step in progressing our Greens substation project, which will play a key role in delivering Scotland and the UK’s clean power and energy security ambitions, while supporting the local economy in Aberdeenshire.” He further emphasised the broader impact, stating, “This project will deliver real benefits across the north-east, supporting jobs, skills and opportunities for local businesses, many of which are already playing a key role.”
BAM, for whom this represents their inaugural project under the ASTI framework, expressed its commitment to the UK’s net-zero objectives. Adrian Collins, Director of Energy Networks Scotland at BAM, said: “The UK has a big challenge ahead to reach net zero, and upgrading the electricity transmission network will be crucial in the transition to renewable energy.”
Siemens Energy is set to deploy advanced synchronous condenser technology alongside SF6-free, clean air insulated circuit breakers. This innovative approach aims to enhance system stability and resilience in a renewables-driven grid while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transmission infrastructure.
The substation project is expected to generate significant economic advantages for Aberdeenshire and the wider north-east region. Aberdeenshire-based civil engineering firm David Smith Contractors, operating as Power Partners Scotland, has been engaged to undertake specialist civil engineering and groundworks.
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David Smith, Managing Director of David Smith Contractors and Power Partners Scotland, remarked: “As a local company, we are proud to have been chosen to play a key role in another nationally important project in the north-east.”
Beyond direct economic investment, the project also incorporates social value initiatives. SSEN Transmission has partnered with Springfield Homes to deliver 69 new properties in Turriff. These homes will initially house project personnel and will later become available to the community, offering a blend of affordable, social, and private housing options to alleviate local housing pressures.
Additionally, the project anticipates delivering over £500,000 in community benefit funding, with priorities to be established through local consultation. This forms part of SSEN Transmission’s broader commitment to invest at least £100 million in community benefit funding across its programme.
