In our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, we are proud to support SSE in their ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme. This case study outlines our role in advising on contract documentation for the procurement of converters and cables for several key HVDC projects, as well as providing strategic guidance on land acquisition and planning permissions.
Project Overview
Our involvement in SSE's Pathway to 2030 programme includes advising on the contract documentation for the procurement of converters and cables for the Arnish to Beauly HVDC Link and the Spittal to Peterhead HVDC Link. Additionally, we are providing guidance on the contracts for the HVDC cable for the Shetland 2 project. These significant projects will see the installation of approximately 1,700 km of cable, both onshore and subsea, along with the construction of major converter stations
Addressing Global Urgency
Given the global urgency to achieve Net Zero, the demand for HVDC converters and HVDC cable is exceptionally high. To address this, we have proactively secured manufacturing capacity in suppliers’ factories well in advance of the design and construction phases by preparing Capacity Reservation Agreements for SSE.
Strategic Transmission Investment
We are instructed by SSE in relation to planning and consenting aspects of their Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) projects, which are needed for the strategic electricity transmission reinforcements required to deliver the UK Government’s 50GW offshore wind by 2030 target. SSE's ASTI projects are considered to be some of their most important transmission infrastructure projects since Beauly-Denny, being critical to the delivery of the UK Government's 50GW offshore wind target.
Land Acquisition and Planning Permissions
Our advice extends to the acquisition of land and rights in land by way of compulsory purchase and necessary wayleave under the Electricity Act 1989 ("the 1989 Act"). We provide guidance on the underlying justification for the acquisition of such land and rights in land pursuant to these powers in terms of site selection, project need, and environmental impact. This is required for the 400kV onshore reinforcements between Beauly, Loch Buidhe, and Spittal. Our advice also covers applications for planning permission for substations and applications for consent for the 400kV overhead line under section 37 of the 1989 Act, including environmental impact assessments ("EIAs"), and ensuring alignment with those applications, EIAs, and the justification for the use of compulsory purchase and necessary wayleave powers.
Strategic Advice for Compulsory Purchase
We are also providing strategic advice to SSE in respect of the compulsory purchase of land and rights in land required for access to Melgarve substation and in relation to the land required for the Dell & Cloiche Windfarm connections in the Scottish Highlands.
Conclusion
Our comprehensive support for SSE's Pathway to 2030 programme demonstrates our expertise in advising on nationally significant infrastructure projects. By securing manufacturing capacity, guiding land acquisition, and ensuring compliance with planning permissions, we are helping SSE achieve their ambitious goals and contribute to the global effort to reach Net Zero.
