SSEN Transmission has submitted a marine licence application to the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate for the Spittal to Peterhead high voltage direct current (HVDC) project.
Connecting Banniskirk Hub in Caithness to Netherton Hub in Aberdeenshire, the subsea cable will transmit enough power for two million homes, supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions. The 525kV HVDC link forms a core part of SSEN Transmission’s £20bn “Pathway to 2030” programme, aiming to modernise the electricity network in the north of Scotland.
This licence application follows two years of offshore surveys and extensive consultation with marine users and stakeholders, including 13 in-person events attended by over 240 people. The application captures key feedback that helped shape the project route and design.
David Inge, Offshore Development Portfolio Manager, said: “Upgrading our transmission network is vital to deliver clean, secure energy – but it also means jobs, investment and community benefits for local areas.”
The link will connect to the Netherton Hub, which is currently awaiting planning approval and is set to include substations, converter stations for Spittal to Peterhead and Eastern Green Link 3, and a base for future operations.
The Spittal to Peterhead HVDC link is expected to unlock large volumes of renewable energy, improve grid resilience and enable long-term economic growth across the region.
