Rothienorman substation comes online as part of 400kV project

Following the completion of building works in April this year, overhead line contractor MSVE have been working to redirect the first of the circuits into the substation allowing Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission to energise the substation along with the substation contractor Siemens BAM.

A spokesman for SSEN explained: "The energisation process commenced on June 10 and we are delighted to confirm that as of yesterday June 23, we have now successfully energised all of the major components of the substation.

"In the coming weeks the project will be diverting the remaining overhead line circuits and completing the various ground reinstatement works around the substation before phase 2 of the development commences in early 2022.

In recent weeks contractors have continued to make modifications to existing transmission towers as well as removing redundant ones.

Phase 2 of the development will see the further works at the substation to make it fully capable of operating at 400kV and whilst the construction duration will be significantly less than the current phase, the network upgrade to the same voltage will continue throughout 2023.

SSEN operating as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHET) has undertaken the work to allow increased generation capacity access to the transmission system, while keeping the network fully operable and compliant with all necessary technical standards.

Without these necessary reinforcements, the network could not facilitate all generation connections from sources in the north-east.

Establishing a substation at Rothienorman addresses this issue and in effect increases the networks efficiency and capability.

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