SSEN Transmission granted consent for Tealing to Westfield overhead line 400kV upgrade

The Tealing to Westfield project will involve uprating around 37km of the existing 275kV transmission line from the existing Tealing substation to SSEN Transmission’s licence boundary to the south of Newburgh, where the network then becomes part of SP Energy Networks.

The overhead line will be uprated to operate at 400kV, significantly increasing capacity and supporting the continued growth of low carbon electricity generation. The reconductoring works will involve replacing overhead conductors, insulators, and fittings along the existing towers in the route, with a single tower potentially replaced. Foundation and steel structure reinforcements will also be carried out to ensure long-term resilience.

This decision follows the recent welcome consent for the Alyth to Tealing reconductoring project announced earlier in the month, reinforcing momentum behind SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 investment programme.

Together, these upgrades will play a critical role in strengthening the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland, enabling the transport of greater volumes of clean, homegrown power for connection to homes and businesses across the country.

The main construction work is expected to begin in 2026.

Local contractors, including Dundee Plant, have been engaged to help deliver the development and refinement phases of the project. Further opportunities for local businesses are anticipated, with principal contractor Balfour Beatty intending to invite local suppliers to tender to help deliver the construction phase of the project.

The Tealing-Westfield project is expected to generate £7.4 million in community benefit funding, with more details to follow in the coming months on local consultation and how this will be made available. The Alyth-Tealing upgrade is expected to generate £2.8m of community benefit funding, adding up to more than £10m between these two projects.

These projects are part of a wider upgrade of transmission projects to modernise the electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland, enhancing capacity to deliver clean energy nationwide and supporting both Scottish and UK energy security and clean power goals.

Gregor Stirton, project manager at SSEN Transmission, said: “We’re pleased to receive consent for the Tealing to Westfield overhead line upgrade - a vital infrastructure project that will help deliver Scotland’s clean energy ambitions and enhance national energy security.

“This approval builds on the recent Alyth to Tealing consent and reflects the importance of our Pathway to 2030 programme in unlocking Scotland’s clean power potential.

“As with our other projects, we’re committed to delivering meaningful benefits to local communities, including substantial community benefit funding and supply chain opportunities. We’re grateful to all stakeholders who engaged with us throughout the consultation process and look forward to working closely with communities as we move into the delivery phase.”

The Tealing to Westfield reconductoring project is part of SSEN Transmission’s wider commitment to invest at least £22 billion in the coming years to upgrade Scotland’s electricity infrastructure.