SSEN advances 12 low carbon tech projects worth £41mn

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has reached an important stage in delivering 12 low carbon tech projects, worth a total £41 million ($49 million), across the north of Scotland and central southern England, aiding a green recovery.

Following a tendering process last year to deliver these strategic investment schemes and unlock over 122MW of additional capacity, SSEN has appointed the Freedom Group of Companies Ltd – which provides facilities and power engineering services – as design and build contractor. 

Andy Huthwaite, director of large capital delivery for SSEN Distribution said: “With feasibility design nearing completion, we will continue to work together on the detailed design and construction phases that will follow, with a view to all 12 projects being completed by July 2024.

“As part of the £41 million project package that will help our customers to adopt low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and solar panels, SSEN is also installing around 1,000 low voltage monitors at key points across our north and south distribution network areas.

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SSEN’s 12 green recovery projects include:

• A £2.7 million ($3.2 million) investment in the network near Kirkwall in Orkney, to upgrade 16km of overhead power lines that are fed from Kirkwall Primary substation, creating 7.3MW of additional network capacity in the local area. Alongside enabling growth of EVs and heat pumps, the investment will support the development of the UK’s first low carbon aviation test centre at Kirkwall Airport, which will conduct electric flight trials.
• In the Western Isles, £2 million ($2.4 million) of prioritised investment will replace the existing transformer at Clachan Primary substation in North Uist with two, upgraded transformers, increasing the capacity of the network serving around 1,300 homes and businesses on the islands. This investment will support the future connection of an electric ferry route and ensure the network is ready for the increased uptake of EVs.
• In Dundee, £3 million ($3.6 million) of strategic investment will see the replacement of two transformers and 0.3km of underground cable at Constable Street Substation, unlocking 12.8MW of green growth in the city, supporting EV charging for electric buses, emergency service EV fleet and accessible charging for the general public.
• In Thurso, £2.8 million ($3.4 million) of green recovery investment to replace transformers in Ormlie and Mount Pleasant will create 12MW of additional capacity to support the town’s journey to net zero. The investment will support projects to transform EV charging provision at several locations.
• In Dorset, SSEN is investing £2.2 million ($2.6 million) to create 7.2MW of extra capacity for low carbon technologies. The investment will replace 2km of fluid cable, and 0.8km of solid cable. This creates the potential for new EV charging sites and capacity for local residents’ net zero ambitions.
• In Oxfordshire, SSEN will invest £7 million ($8.4 million) to enable Wheatley and Witney residents’ transition to low carbon technologies. The additional 28MW of capacity will also support the delivery of increased EV chargepoint availability at key motorway service areas. The works will include reinforcing transformers, over 10km of overhead line and 1km of underground cable.
• In Hampshire, three key sites will receive a combined £16m ($19.2 million) of investment to accelerate a green economic recovery.
• £9 million ($10.8 million) will be invested in preparing the infrastructure in Rownhams for EVs and low-carbon technologies. This will create 30MW of additional capacity, enabling delivery of EV charge hubs at critical points for the UK’s transport infrastructure.
• Over £3.6 million ($4.3 million) will be invested in North Baddesley to reinforce over 4.8km of overhead line and 100m of underground cable. This will create 12.8MW of extra capacity enabling local residents to switch to low carbon technologies.
• SSEN will invest £2.9 million ($3.5 million) in Bishops Waltham, creating over 5.5MW of capacity by reinforcing critical network infrastructure. This will support a rapid uptake in low-carbon technologies and accelerating a green economic recovery in the Hampshire town.

The project package is a result of collaboration with energy regulator Ofgem and electricity network operators to explore how early investment in the distribution network could drive green economic growth and deploy low-carbon projects.

An extensive public call for evidence in 2021, involving submissions from local authorities, developers and community groups resulted in the 12 programmes that received approval from Ofgem.

The distribution network operator and Freedom expect to move into the detailed design and construction phase for all 12 projects during January 2023.