Scotland has awarded Balfour Beatty a £85m tender to deliver SSEN Transmission Phase two, the second phase of West of Scotland overhead line works between Crossaig and Port Ann. The project will need Balfour Beatty to design, construct, and engineer a 45km 275kV new double circuit overhead line from the existing substations to Port Ann and Crossaig. After completion the new power line will strengthen the region’s network facilitating the connection of new renewable energy to the grid, which will play a major role to net zero emissions transition in UK..
The SSEN Transmission Phase two award comes as an appreciation from the first phase successful energisation, of which Balfour Beatty installed 37km of 275kV double circuit line between Inveraray and Port Ann. The constructors will incorporate BIM software and drones in planning and designing of the line which will reduce safety risks and improve both the efficiency and quality of works. The enabling works for the SSEN Transmission Phase two has already commenced, with completion of the whole scheme set in 2023. At peak construction, the project will use a workforce of approximately 300 workers, and offering several apprenticeship opportunities.
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A greener future for the best
The managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business Ian Currie stated that from the long-standing relationship with SSEN Transmission, they will continue to utilise the expert capability to help give the necessary upgrades to the Argyll area and beyond.
Keith Inglis, the project director of SSEN Transmission added that the awarding was good news for Balfour Beatty, SSEN Transmission, and of course everyone relying upon the network of transmission in the Argyll peninsula. “The next phase award to Balfour Beatty builds upon the good job in phase 1 but also numerous other schemes we have collaborated on in the last 10 years.”
