Preferred bidders announced for €11.6 billion Scottish energy initiative

Photo: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

SSEN Transmission - the company responsible for the electricity transmission network in Scotland - launched the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework as a major component of its Pathway to 2030 network redevelopment initiative for the onshore transmission infrastructure in Scotland.

Over the next few months, specific contracts within the framework are expected to be assigned to a number of preferred bidders, detailing the scope of work within each project and the total value.

The bidders

• Balfour Beatty
• Siemens Energy BAM
• J Murphy & Sons
• Wood Power Solutions
• Omexom Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
• Burns & McDonnell
• Morrison Energy Services
• Linxon
• IQA
• NKT

Climate goals

Many of the contracts are expected to focus on the integration of renewable energy sources, in line with the climate change goals set by both the UK and Scottish Governments for 2030.

By bolstering the capacity for renewable energy generation and distribution, the programme aims to mitigate the country’s reliance on international energy markets while fostering energy independence through the utilisation of domestically-produced low carbon power.

The bidders’ responsibilities within the framework will include the delivery of components including overhead lines, underground cables and substations.

One of the preferred contractors, Balfour Beatty, said its selection stems from its experience in managing complex onshore electricity transmission projects.

The company’s involvement with SSEN dates back to 2019 when it was contracted to oversee the initial and subsequent phases of overhead line projects in the West of Scotland.

Energy security

Outside of the framework, Balfour Beatty is currently working on a new 400kV substation and associated cabling and overhead line projects in Peterhead in northeast Scotland.

Ian Currie, MD of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said, “Having worked closely and collaboratively with SSEN Transmission for over 40 years, we are delighted to be contributing to the upgrade of the electricity transmission network through their latest framework.

SSEN Transmission’s MD, Rob McDonald, said, “Our Pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme will play a huge role in delivering Scotland and the UK’s net zero targets, and the selection of this group of preferred bidders for crucial elements of that redevelopment work is a massive step forward in delivering that.

“As we aim to conclude contract negotiations in the coming weeks and months, we look forward to working with each of the selected contractors in the delivery of our Pathway to 2030 projects.”