© Supplied by SSE SSEN Transmission has submitted its plans for the Spittal to Peterhead cable link to the Scottish government.
The marine licence application covers the high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable project between Banniskirk in Caithness and Netherton in Aberdeenshire.
SSEN said the Spittal to Peterhead link is a “crucial component” of its five-year plan to invest £20 billion in upgrading grid infrastructure in the north of Scotland.
The firm, a subsidiary of Perth-based SSE, said the marine licence application for the cable link follows two years of development and consultation.
SSEN Transmission offshore development portfolio manager David Inge said upgrading the electricity transmission network is key to delivering “clean, secure energy for Scotland and the UK”.
“However, it’s not just about national energy goals – it’s about delivering real benefits to local communities,” Inge said.
As part of its 2030 investment programme, SSEN plans to deliver more than 1,000 homes in the north of Scotland alongside a £100m community benefit fund.
“These efforts help build a stronger, more resilient and more connected future for generations to come,” Inge said.
If approved, SSEN said its Spittal to Peterhead link will connect to a planned hub in Netherton, subject to a separate planning application submitted to Aberdeenshire Council.
The Netherton Hub will consist of a 400kV and 132kV substation to support future offshore and onshore electricity connection, as well as infrastructure to support the Eastern Green Link 3 HVDC cable project.
SSEN £20bn ‘Pathway to 2030’ programme
Elsewhere, SSEN is also progressing the Western Isles HVDC cable link in partnership with Hitachi Energy.
Altogether, SSEN estimates its £20bn ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme will support 20,000 jobs across the UK, including 9,000 based in Scotland.
However, parent firm SSE recently shaved £3 billion from the plans to invest in its energy production and networks businesses due to a “changing macro environment” and delays to consent to phase in networks.
The adjustment came as the firm reported a £2.1bn profit for the year ending 31 March, which union leaders branded “obscene”. The announcement followed confirmation from SSE that up to 300 jobs in its renewables business were at risk.
