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Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has announced a significant expansion to Scotland’s electricity grid. Currently in early development, the Kintore to Tealing transmission line has been billed as a vital step towards Net Zero and our low-carbon energy future. While NFU Scotland has recognised the national interest in such projects, any infrastructure upgrades should not come at the cost to Scottish agriculture.
The 400kV powerline will stretch over 60 miles, encompassing the east coast of Aberdeenshire and Angus. Substations at Kintore and Tealing have also been proposed with the possibility for midpoints. Evidentially, this development will impact farming in the North East and East Central regions as infrastructure will be located across agricultural land.
Recognising this, we engaged closely with SSEN early into the project’s development to voice views and concerns of members. Our Regional Team have attended public consultation events in the area and our Head Office staff have held several national webinars with SSEN representatives.
Early discussion showed that that sag heights, vertical clearance from the lowest point of cable lines to the ground, was a cause for concern. Currently, SSEN works to a 7.3 metre minimum with an additional 3.7 metres advised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for electrical arching (voltage jumping through the air). Given that modern agricultural machinery can exceed 6.5 metres, this minimum is outdated and does not provide enough clearance for farmers to work safely around infrastructure. We have raised this concern directly with HSE and Scottish Government and look forward to meeting them for further discussions.
We were pleased to hear SSEN has revisited its sag height minimum – to 9 metres, and that they have committed to looking at line heights over agricultural land on a case by case basis when representations are made at the planning stage. Safety is paramount and new infrastructure must take into account the reality of the size of machinery used to produce food. Modern agriculture and modern energy networks must go hand in hand. But if Scotland’s new powerlines are to truly serve the public interest, they must be designed work with farmers rather than imposing a difficulty and danger on their businesses.
As we raise concerns directly with SSEN, NFU Scotland continues to support members with expert advice through our utilities helpline in partnership with Davidson & Robertson . We encourage members with specific concerns to call our dedicated member helpline on 0131 609 9717 to seek advice and support. (More information about the partnership with Davidson & Robertson is available on our website
here). We’re working regionally and nationally to advocate for practical, common-sense solutions: design standards that reflect 21st-century farming, planning processes that listen to lived experience, and infrastructure that supports our ability to produce food.
Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826