SSEN Submits an Application for Spittal to Peterhead HVDC Link
SSEN Transmission has recently submitted a planning application for a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link of approximately 135 miles, expanding the UK’s electricity transmission infrastructure to support renewable energy integration and national net zero goals.
The proposed HVDC link, part of SSEN Transmission’s broader Pathway to 2030 programme, aims to enhance the capacity and reliability of the transmission network in northern Scotland and beyond. This project complements SSEN’s ongoing efforts, including the recently energized 260km Shetland HVDC Link, which connects the Shetland Islands to the Great Britain (GB) grid for the first time, enabling the export of 443MW of clean power from the Viking Wind Farm.
The 135-mile HVDC link application follows a series of strategic investments by SSEN Transmission designed to unlock Scotland’s substantial renewable energy potential. It is aligned with the company’s commitment to deliver high voltage, clean renewable power to homes and businesses across the UK, supporting both energy security and the transition to net zero emissions.
Key features of the new link include:
- The construction of a new HVDC converter station and associated 400kV substation infrastructure, similar to the Banniskirk Hub project near Spittal, which recently saw a planning application submitted to The Highland Council.
- Integration with existing and planned overhead lines and substations to facilitate efficient transmission from renewable generation sites to demand centers.
- Deployment of HVDC technology, leveraging SSEN Transmission’s successful collaboration with Hitachi Energy, who are providing HVDC converter systems for multiple subsea link projects, including the Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead links. These projects are on track for energisation by 2030, demonstrating SSEN Transmission’s capability to deliver complex HVDC infrastructure on schedule.
- Consideration of environmental and community impacts, with SSEN Transmission engaging extensively with local stakeholders and incorporating feedback to minimize visual and ecological effects, as evidenced by their approach to the Lewis Hub project in the Western Isles.
This new 135-mile HVDC link is expected to play a pivotal role in connecting remote renewable energy resources to the GB grid, thereby supporting the UK’s offshore wind targets and enhancing the overall resilience and flexibility of the electricity network.
SSEN Transmission’s Director of Offshore Delivery, Sandy Mactaggart, emphasized the importance of these projects: “Our continued progress with HVDC links is crucial to harnessing Scotland’s renewable energy resources and delivering clean, secure power to consumers. The strong partnerships we have built with technology suppliers like Hitachi Energy underpin our ability to meet ambitious delivery timelines and contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions”.
As the energy transition accelerates, SSEN Transmission’s HVDC projects, including the newly proposed 135-mile link, represent critical infrastructure investments that will enable the UK to meet its climate targets while ensuring energy security and economic benefits for local communities.
Further updates on the project’s development and planning status are anticipated as SSEN Transmission continues its engagement with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and the public.
