Balfour Beatty has commenced work in collaboration with SSEN Transmission on nine electricity transmission projects in northern Scotland, UK.
This initiative is a part of SSEN Transmission's network redevelopment programme, Pathway to 2030, to which Balfour Beatty was appointed last August.
It marks the first step of the overarching programme, which aims to facilitate the connection and transport of cost-effective, locally sourced, low-carbon power, thereby enhancing energy independence.
SSEN Transmission Capital Development and Delivery director Tony Scott said: “We’re delighted to have Balfour Beatty working with us to help deliver our ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme.
“At SSEN Transmission we have a longstanding relationship with Balfour Beatty and the knowledge and experience that they will bring will prove invaluable in helping to deliver the critical national infrastructure that is needed to make net zero a reality.”
In the first phase, Balfour will provide technical solutions for the projects.
These include new 400kV overhead lines each from Beauly to Blackhillock, from Blackhillock to Peterhead, and Fetteresso to Tealing.
Other works include upgrades of the Tealing to Alyth overhead line to 400kV operation, Tealing to Westfield overhead line to 400kV operation, and construction of two 400kV substations, among others.
Balfour's role will involve addressing potential construction challenges along with streamlining planning.
It will further advise on material usage, planning work phases for productivity, and exploring modern construction methods.
The Early Contractor Involvement phase is already in progress with more than 100 Balfour personnel engaged, and main construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
The energisation of all nine projects is expected by 2030, with contracts for the construction of these projects expected to be awarded between the end of 2025 and 2026.
The latest announcement comes after Balfour Beatty Investments initiated construction on a student accommodation project for the University of Sussex in the UK, last month.
