The site’s strategic location near existing and planned infrastructure, along with transport routes, reinforced its selection. Credit: SSEN Transmission.

SSEN Transmission has officially submitted a planning application for the Netherton Hub to Aberdeenshire Council, marking a pivotal step in Scotland’s energy network transformation.

The Netherton Hub, situated near Longside, west of Peterhead, will host a 400kV substation for offshore and onshore electricity generation, a 132kV substation for future generation and storage connections, and two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations.

These stations will facilitate the transfer of renewable energy from Scotland to demand centres across the UK. Additionally, the site will include a transmission hall for future network expansion, and facilities for operations and spare parts storage.

The planning application for the hub is the culmination of two years of rigorous development including comprehensive consultations with the community and stakeholders, which saw more than 400 individuals participate in face-to-face meetings and over 100 formal responses to the proposals.

The Netherton Hub is poised to significantly contribute to the nation’s energy security and clean power objectives, while promising to boost the local economy and create job opportunities.

It is integral to SSEN Transmission’s ambitious Pathway to 2030 investment programme, which is expected to channel £20bn ($25.93bn) into the north of Scotland’s infrastructure.

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The Pathway to 2030 programme represents one of the most substantial regional investments in recent history, potentially supporting approximately 20,000 jobs across the UK, with nearly half of these in Scotland.

From an initial list of 13 potential sites, the Netherton Hub was selected for its optimal location, minimal environmental impact and potential for biodiversity enhancement.

The site’s strategic position near existing and planned infrastructure, as well as transport routes, further solidified its selection.

Local community input was instrumental in refining the hub’s design, addressing concerns about flooding and visual impact.

The plans incorporate significant land allocation for drainage and landscaping to mitigate these issues.

SSEN Transmission Offshore Development portfolio manager and Netherton Hub lead David Inge said: “After a lot of hard work from the project team, in consultation with communities and other key stakeholders, we are delighted to have reached the point of submitting our planning application to Aberdeenshire Council, seeking approval for the Netherton Hub.

“The proposed development forms a critical part of our £20bn investment programme to upgrade the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, supporting thousands of jobs and providing an economic boost to the country, all whilst helping to deliver Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power targets.”