The Proposal
Much of the electricity transmission network in Scotland is between 50 and 100 years old. It has grown and evolved to meet industrial needs and serve the expanding population, but the network in central Scotland will soon be at full capacity – unable to accommodate all the clean, green renewable energy we will all need in future.
More onshore and offshore wind farms, solar energy and battery storage are connecting to the power network and we need to increase the voltage of the overhead lines in this area from 275kV to 400kV, in keeping with the wider transmission network, so we can get more energy from where it’s produced to where it’s needed.
In order to increase the voltage and network capacity we need to replace the two existing 275kV transformers at Westfield substation – which are now 55 years old – with four new 400kV transformers.
Similarly, we also need to replace the two existing 275kV transformers at Mossmorran substation – which are 62 and 41 years old – with four new 400kV transformers.
The extended substations will have a key role in enabling Scotland and the UK to meet Net Zero emissions targets while ensuring that power flows efficiently through the system in central Scotland.
What will happen at Westfield and Mossmorran?
Before we can switch off the old transformers, we need to extend the substation sites so we can install the new 400kV transformers and equipment and connect them to the network.
This is because the old transformers are essential to keep the lights on and the power flowing while we put the new substation in place.
We are still developing detailed plans, but the proposed new Mossmorran substation will include:
- A new 400kV SF6-free Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation building, which will house electrical switchgear, plant and ancillary equipment
- Four 400kV/132kV transformers
- SF6-free GIS double busbar to connect the switchgear to each circuit
- Space for additional transformers to be installed in future
- Internal access roads and vehicle parking
- Drainage and mitigation (for example, landscaping)
- A new steel palisade fence and internal fencing around the live compound to ensure safety and security.
The proposed new Westfield substation will include:
- A new 400kV SF6-free Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation building, which will house electrical switchgear, plant and ancillary equipment
- Four 400/132kV transformers
- SF6-free GIS double busbar to connect the switchgear to each circuit
- Internal access roads and vehicle parking
- Drainage and mitigation (for example, landscaping)
- A new steel palisade fence and internal fencing around the live compound to ensure safety and security.
Overhead line changes
We will need to make minor alterations to the existing overhead lines at Mossmorran and Westfield to connect them to the new substations.
At the moment, existing overhead lines cross the sites for both proposed new substations.
At Mossmorran, we plan to put up two temporary masts so we can divert the overhead lines away from the site, removing three existing towers (pylons) and allowing us to build the new substation.
We will then need to put up one new tower and install some underground cables to connect the new substation to the network before removing the temporary masts and line diversion.
At Westfield, we plan to put up one temporary mast so we can divert the overhead lines away from the site, removing six existing towers (pylons) and allowing us to build the new substation.
We will then need to put up two new towers and install some underground cables to connect the new substation to the network before removing the temporary masts and line diversion.
We will also need to increase the voltage of the wider network from 275kV to 400kV and replace the conductors (the wires between the pylons), as shown on the map in our documents page.
Proposed 400 kV uprating
FAQs
Who are SP Energy Networks?
SP Energy Networks is part of the ScottishPower Group. We are responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity in central and southern Scotland, and, through SP Manweb, the distribution network in North Wales and part of North West England. Our role is to maintain, operate and invest in our network to secure a safe, reliable, and economic service for current and future consumers.
What statutory obligations does SP Energy Networks have?
Our statutory obligations are set out in the Electricity Act 1989 and in our transmission licence. We must develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical transmission system in accordance with security and quality of supply standards. We must offer to connect new power generators to the system and, make sure any work we do keeps disturbance to the natural and built environment and the people who live in it, work in it or enjoy it to a minimum.
Who regulates SP Energy Networks?
We are regulated by Ofgem (Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets), and independent national regulatory body. Further information about Ofgem is available on:
Why is the Tealing to Kincardine Upgrade Project needed?
Much of the electricity transmission network in Scotland is between 50 and 100 years old. It has grown and evolved to meet industrial needs and serve the expanding population, but the network in central Scotland will soon be at full capacity – unable to accommodate all the clean, green renewable energy we will all need in future.
The purpose of the project is to increase the voltage of overhead lines from 275kv to 400kV between Tealing, near Dundee (in the Scottish and Southern Energy Networks area) and Kincardine (in the SP Energy Networks area), to allow more clean, green energy to flow through the network.
To make this happen, SP Energy Networks needs to extend the substations at Mossmorran, near Cowdenbeath, and Westfield, near Ballingry. We will also need to connect two existing overhead lines to each other north of Kincardine, to improve the efficiency of the network.
How much will the project cost?
It is early days and we won’t be able to cost the project fully until we have a definite proposal.
Who will pay for this project?
Ultimately, the cost of our investment in the electricity system is partly borne by consumers through electricity bills, so we are obliged to be economic and efficient. We recover our costs through transmission charges levied by National Grid.
The amount we invest in our networks and the amount we are able to recover is agreed with Ofgem, which is committed to working with industry, governments and consumer groups to deliver a net zero economy at the lowest cost to consumers. You can find out more about Ofgem here.
How are you consulting local people?
We are planning two rounds of public consultation before we submit our planning applications to Fife Council.
The first round of consultation runs until Friday 30 August 2024.
We are holding two public exhibitions where people can find out more about our plans and ask questions of the project team:
Tuesday 30 July, 2pm to 7pm:
Benarty Centre, Flockhouse Avenue, Ballingry, KY5 8JH
Wednesday 31 July, 2pm to 7pm:
Crossgates Royal British Legion, 60 Main Street, Crossgates, KY4 8DY
You can find more details and an online feedback form via the 'Have Your Say' tab.
Have your say?
Our public consultation runs until Friday 30 August 2024.
SPEN attaches great importance to the effect our work may have on the environment and local communities. We want to hear what local people think about our plans, to help us develop the project in the best way.
Please come along to our public exhibitions, where you can see our plans in more detail and ask questions of the project team.
| Date | Venue | Time |
| Tuesday 30 July | Benarty Centre, Flockhouse Avenue, Ballingry KY5 8JH | 2pm – 7pm |
| Wednesday 31 July | Crossgates Royal British Legion, 60 Main Street, Crossgates KY4 8DY | 2pm – 7pm |
If you have any feedback on our proposals, please complete the feedback form below.
What Happens Next?
Following the first round of consultation we will develop detailed designs for the substations, including locations for buildings, access routes and working areas.
We will publish a report summarising the feedback received and how this has influenced our proposals.
We will carry out a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, and hold further consultation, before we finalise our proposals and submit planning applications under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) to Fife Council.
We will also need to submit applications to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit, under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, for the proposed changes to the overhead lines and uprating in voltage.