Ten preferred bidders have been selected for SSEN Transmission’s £10bn Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework.

Balfour Beatty, Siemens Energy BAM, J Murphy & Sons, Wood Power Solutions, Omexom Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Burns & McDonnell, Morrison Energy Services, Linxon, IQA and NKT have all been chosen for the project, responsible for delivering the onshore transmission infrastructure within SSEN’s Pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme.

Each preferred bidder has a different specialism and contract awards, including defined scope and value of works, are expected later in 2023. 

Balfour Beatty’s works will include the delivery of the overhead lines, underground cables and substations needed to redevelop the transmission network in the north of Scotland between now and 2030.

A significant step forward in the major upgrade of the electricity transmission network, on completion, the programme will help to meet the UK and Scottish Government’s 2030 renewable energy and climate change targets. 

In addition, it will contribute to securing future energy independence by enabling the connection and transportation of affordable and homegrown low carbon power, reducing the country’s dependence on global wholesale energy markets.

Balfour Beatty’s selection builds on its experience in delivering complex onshore electricity transmission projects, having been appointed by SSEN Transmission in 2019 to deliver the first and second phase of overhead line works which are ongoing in the West of Scotland between Port Ann and Crossaig.

The company is also delivering a new 400 kilovolt substation and associated cabling and overhead line works on behalf of SSEN Transmission in Peterhead, to ensure the continued safe supply of power to the North-east of Scotland.

Ian Currie, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business, said: “Having worked closely and collaboratively with SSEN Transmission for over 40 years, we are delighted to be contributing to the upgrade of the electricity transmission network through their latest framework.

“As the largest power transmission contractor in the UK, we will utilize our expert capability and extensive experience to play our part in providing secure energy for the surrounding area for the future”.

Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said: “Our Pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme will play a huge role in delivering Scotland and the UK’s net zero targets and the selection of this group of preferred bidders for crucial elements of that redevelopment work is a massive step forward in delivering that.

“As we aim to conclude contract negotiations in the coming weeks and months, we look forward to working with each of the selected contractors in the delivery of our ‘Pathway to 2030’projects.

“Not only will this work support the delivery of UK and Scottish Government net zero and energy security targets, but our forthcoming investments will provide significant local and national economic opportunities, helping unleash the economic potential of the north of Scotland.”