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.
In order to increase the voltage and network capacity we need to replace the existing 275kV transformers at Westfield substation – which are now 55 years old – with new 400kV transformers.
Similarly, we also need to replace the existing transformers at Mossmoran substation – which are now 62 and 41 years old – with new 400 kV transformers.
Before we can switch off the old transformers, we need to extend both 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.
Our updated plans for Westfield substation
We propose to extend Westfield substation to the west of the existing compound, immediately south of the B9097 near Ballingry. There is an existing access from the B9097 into the existing substation.
The project will include:
- A new 400kV SF6-free Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation building, which will house electrical switchgear, plant and ancillary equipment
- Five 400/132kV transformers and one 400/275kV transformer
- 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.
Since the previous consultation in July 2024, we have refined our plans to include six transformers rather than the four originally proposed, as shown on the plans below
Our updated plans for Mossmorran substation
The proposed Mossmorran substation extension is to the north west of the existing substation, near the existing Mossmorran Natural Gas Liquids Plant, the Fife Ethylene Plant and the Little Raith Wind Farm. Access is from the A909 using an existing road through the plants.
The project includes:
- 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
- Space for three 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
Since the previous consultation in July 2024, we have refined our plans to show the potential locations of the three additional transformers that may be needed in future, rather than the two originally indicated, as shown on the plans below:
Overhead line changes
We need to increase the voltage of overhead lines between Tealing (near Dundee) and Kincardine in Fife (see map below) from 275,000 volts (275kV) to 400,000 volts (400kV).
This will involve changing the insulators and conductors (wires) on the existing towers (pylons). To facilitate these works we will need to install temporary access routes (trackway or stone roads) and potential foundation upgrades at specific towers. We are carrying out further surveys to establish where this work will be required.
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 of the 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 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 to connect the new substation to the network before removing the temporary mast and line diversion. The underground cables required near the northern boundary will also now be within the substation site and not on the other side of the road as originally proposed. The underground cables will connect the existing 132kV network to the existing 132kV substation.
Our first round of consultation also included a proposal to connect two existing overhead lines to each other north of Kincardine. However, further technical studies have concluded this is not required and it is no longer part of the project.
Proposed 400k uprating
Project documents
For our second round of consultation, we have produced the following supporting documents:
For our first round of consultation, we have produced a number of supporting documents.
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.
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.
Our first round of consultation ran until 20 August 2024.
The second round of consultation runs until Friday 20th December 2024.
We are holding two public exhibitions where people can find out more about our plans and ask questions of the project team:
Tuesday 26th November, 2pm to 7pm:
Benarty Centre, Flockhouse Avenue, Ballingry, KY5 8JH
Thursday 28th November, 2pm to 7pm:
Auchtertool Village Hall, Main Street, Auchtertool, KY2 5XW
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 20th December 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 26 November | Benarty Centre, Flockhouse Avenue, Ballingry KY5 8JH | 2pm – 7pm |
| Thursday 28 November | Auchtertool Village Hall, Main Street, Auchtertool, KY2 5XW | 2pm – 7pm |
If you have any feedback on our proposals, please complete the feedback form below.
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What Happens Next?
Following the second 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 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. There will be a further opportunity to comment on our overhead line proposals in early 2025.
At this stage, your comments are not representations to the planning authorities. When we submit out applications for development consent in the future, you will be able to make formal representations at that stage.