SSEN Distribution reaches next stage of £41 million programme to accelerate net zero transition

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has reached an important stage in delivering £41 million of projects that will accelerate key low-carbon deployment across the north of Scotland and central southern England, aiding a green recovery.

Following a competitive tendering process earlier this year to deliver the strategic investment schemes that will unlock over 122MW of additional capacity, SSEN has appointed the Freedom Group of Companies Ltd as design and build contractor.  

The project package is a result of close collaboration with the energy regulator, Ofgem, and other electricity network operators when they set out to explore how early investment in the distribution network could drive green economic growth, create skilled jobs, and support the deployment of low-carbon projects. An extensive public call for evidence in 2021, involving submissions from local authorities, developers and community groups, resulted in 12 programmes of network investment that received approval from Ofgem.

As part of the £41m investment to deliver increased network capacity of over 122MW - enabling the upgrade of SSEN’s infrastructure to accommodate increased demand for electric vehicle charging and electrification of heat - the distribution network operator and Freedom expect to move into the detailed design and construction phase for all 12 projects in January 2023.

Andy Huthwaite, Director of Large Capital Delivery for SSEN Distribution said:  

“SSEN is delighted to announce the appointment of the Freedom Group of Companies Ltd to assist us in this substantial programme of works across our north and south distribution areas.

“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.”

Andy continued:

“As part of the £41m project package that will help our customers to adopt low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles, 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.

“This technology provides near real-time visibility in areas where high levels of electricity demand from increased uptake of electric vehicles and electric heating is predicted; enabling us to better manage local infrastructure and identify how best to optimise the capacity that meets our customers’ needs.”

SSEN’s 12 Green Recovery projects are:

• A £2.7m 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 electric vehicles and heat pumps, the investment will support the development of the UK's first low carbon, operationally-based aviation test centre at Kirkwall Airport, which will conduct important electric flight trials.

• In the Western Isles, £2m 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 electric vehicles.
  
  
• In Dundee, £3m 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, £2.8m 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 on the A9, at local visitor sites and for emergency service fleet.
  
  
• In Dorset, SSEN is investing £2.2m 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 £7m to enable Wheatley and Witney residents' transition to low-carbon technologies. The additional 28MW of capacity will also support the delivery of critical national infrastructure by increasing 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 of investment to accelerate a green economic recovery.
• £9m 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 £3.6m 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 £2.9m 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.