- The Spittal to Peterhead HVDC Link will play a key role in supporting the country’s drive to delivering a secure and clean energy future.
- Generating local economic opportunities, including community benefit funding.
- The marine licence application submission follows an extensive period of consultation, marine surveys and a thorough marine environmental assessment.
SSEN Transmission has submitted a marine licence application to the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate for the Spittal to Peterhead high voltage direct current (HVDC) project – a strategic development connecting the Banniskirk Hub in Caithness (near Spittal) and the Netherton Hub in Aberdeenshire (near Peterhead) by subsea cable – with the capacity to transmit power for two million homes.
The Spittal to Peterhead HVDC link is a crucial component of SSEN Transmission’s £20bn “Pathway to 2030” investment programme in the north of Scotland. The marine licence application follows two years of development and offshore marine surveying, and captures the extensive engagement on the cable route design undertaken with marine users, other offshore developers and stakeholders. Engagement included two face-to-face marine consultation rounds, with more than 240 attendees across 13 events in 2023 and 2024.
The ‘Pathway to 2030’ programme is one of the biggest investments undertaken in the north of Scotland for decades. Last December, SSEN Transmission published a plan that could support up to 8,400 jobs across the region.
David Inge, SSEN Transmission’s Offshore Development Portfolio Manager, said:
“Upgrading our 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. From creating jobs and supporting local economies. to funding initiatives through our Community Benefit Fund, we’re proud to invest in the places we serve. These efforts help build a stronger, more resilient, and more connected future for generations to come.
“In preparing our application, we’ve worked closely with local communities – including marine stakeholders – and collaborated with other third-party developers and asset owners across Caithness and Aberdeenshire.
“We would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events, which have been so valuable in helping to guide and shape our proposals. We now look forward to working with the Marine Directorate Licensing Operations Team and stakeholders as part of the determination process.”
The Spittal to Peterhead HVDC link will connect to the Netherton Hub in Aberdeenshire, another crucial component of SSEN Transmission’s “Pathway to 2030” investment plans – for which a planning application is currently being considered by Aberdeenshire Council. If approved, the Netherton Hub will comprise:
- A 400kV and 132kV substation to support future offshore and onshore electricity connection;
- The Spittal to Peterhead HVDC converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from new generators in the north of Scotland to demand centres throughout the UK;
- The Eastern Green Link 3 HVDC converter station to support the transmission of renewable energy from generators in the north of Scotland to Norfolk and beyond;
- A further transmission hall, with capacity for more infrastructure to future proof the growing network; and
- A spares warehouse and operations base.
The licence application can be viewed here: Marine Licence – Cables- Spittal to Peterhead – 00011099 | marine.gov.scot
More information on the Spittal to Peterhead HVDC Link project is here: Spittal – Peterhead Subsea Cable Link – SSEN Transmission
More information on the Spittal to Peterhead project is available here and detail on the Netherton Hub is available here.