Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee has given planning approval for the Netherton Hub, a key aspect of SSEN Transmission’s programme of grid upgrades across the north of Scotland.
Located to the west of Peterhead, the hub is expected to play a critical role in transforming the electricity network in the region, supporting national energy security and clean power targets.
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This decision by the council comes after two years of development and community and stakeholder engagement by the Perth-headquartered company.
The Netherton Hub is an important part of SSEN Transmission’s £22bn plus investment programme and is also part of a wider renewal of the electricity transmission system across Great Britain.
The requirement for the project has been independently evaluated and was given approval by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and energy regulator, Ofgem.
Community feedback played a crucial role in shaping the hub’s design. Concerns about flooding and visual impact were addressed through various measures, including allocating land specifically for drainage, implementing screening techniques.
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By GlobalDataUpon completion, the site will include a 400kV substation designed to support both offshore and onshore electricity generation. Additionally, a 132kV substation will be set up to facilitate future generation and storage connections from third-party developers.
The Spittal to Peterhead High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station will aid in transmitting renewable energy from new generators in northern Scotland to demand centres across the UK.
Furthermore, the Eastern Green Link 3 HVDC converter station will help in the transmission of renewable energy from northern Scotland to Norfolk and beyond.
The site will also feature an additional transmission hall, which will provide capacity for more infrastructure to ensure the network’s future growth, along with a spares warehouse and an operations base.
With the receipt of the consent, construction of the Netherton Hub is expected to commence in early 2026.
SSEN Transmission director of development Alison Hall said: “The decision marks a key milestone in delivering UK and Scottish Government energy targets – one that will deliver a new strategic hub for onshore and offshore projects that will be critical to delivering a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system for future generations.”
