Forfar consultation event to allow public to air views on major powerline project

The project is part of a major upgrade of the electrical transmission system across Great Britain. The company says that Kintore-Fiddes-Tealing 400kV project, also known as the East Coast 400kV Phase 2 project, is required to help enable the connection of renewable energy from across the north of Scotland and will play a critical role in the fight against climate change and the transition towards net zero emissions.

SSEN Transmission is currently consulting on proposals to develop a new 400kV overhead electricity transmission line between Kintore, Fiddes and Tealing, which includes new substations at both Fiddes and Tealing.

The depth of consultation has been heavily criticised however, by communities along the proposed route and politicians across the region, with Angus MP Dave Doogan recently raising the matter in Parliament.

In response, SSEN Transmission has extended the consultation period until Friday, July 28 and arranged the consultation in their Reid Hall between 1pm and 7pm.

The next stage of public consultation is expected later this year.

The company has said that no decisions have yet been taken on potential overhead line routes or substation locations and the project remains at the early stages of development. All feedback received through the consultation will be carefully considered to help inform the ongoing development of this project.

A spokesperson said: “The Kintore-Fiddes-Tealing 400kV project is essential to help meet the UK and Scottish Government 2030 climate change targets, as well as help secure the country’s energy independence.

“The consultation event in Forfar is an opportunity for us to share our proposals with local community members and take on board any feedback directly, and we encourage anyone with an interest in the project to attend.

“We fully recognise the extent of interest in the project and hope our recent extension to the consultation deadline to 28 July will provide more time for those looking to share any feedback with us, which will be carefully considered to help shape our proposals moving forwards.”

Information used at the consultation event is also available to view online should members of the public be unable to attend the event in person.

Last month, SSEN Transmission published an initial response to the consultation feedback received so far, to address some of the key themes which have been identified. Once the feedback period closes, a detailed Report on Consultation will also be published to explain how feedback has been considered to inform the more detailed network design.

For more information about the Kintore-Fiddes-Tealing 400kV project please visit the dedicated project webpage at https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/project-map/kintore-fiddes-tealing-400kv-ohl-connection/