Balfour Beatty has been selected as one of 10 preferred bidders for a £10bn framework to deliver upgraded electricity grid infrastructure in Scotland.
The Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework is part of Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) Pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme, and is responsible for delivering its onshore transmission infrastructure.
Contracts, along with the defined scope and value of the works, are expected later this year.
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.
Ian Currie, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & 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.”
The programme is regarded as a significant step forward in the major upgrade of the electricity grid. It is expected to help meet the UK and Scottish government’s 2030 renewable energy and climate change targets.
Additionally, it is said the upgrade will contribute to securing future energy independence by enabling the connection and transportation of “affordable and homegrown” low carbon power, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on global wholesale energy markets.
As Currie indicated above, Balfour Beatty already has a long history working with SENN Transmission. More recently, in 2019 it was appointed to deliver the first and second phase of overhead line works, ongoing in the west of Scotland between ort 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.
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.”
Main image: Power transmission lines in Scotland courtesy of SSEN Transmission
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