A joint venture between BAM and Siemens Energy has been selected by SSEN Transmission as one of ten preferred bidders to deliver critical onshore transmission infrastructure schemes across its £10bn electricity transmission network plan.

The programme, known as Pathway to 2030, is an interconnected set of major projects in the north of Scotland that will support the UK’s transition to net zero. It features new high-voltage direct current (HVDC) links and transmission network upgrades that will support the development of offshore wind connections.

As a preferred bidder, BAM and Siemens Energy will support SSEN Transmission in delivering onshore transmission infrastructure schemes. Works will include the delivery of overhead lines, underground cables, and substations required to develop the transmission network in north Scotland by 2030.

The programme will help to meet the UK and Scottish Government’s 2030 renewable energy and climate change targets. The new transmission infrastructure will help to secure the country’s future energy independence by enabling the connection and transportation of affordable and homegrown low carbon power, reducing the country’s dependence on - and price exposure to - volatile global wholesale energy markets.

BAM Executive Director – Civils, Huw Jones, said: “Our joint venture with Siemens Energy builds on nine years of successful partnership delivering transmission infrastructure sustainably and efficiently with SSE across Scotland.”

“Our selection as a preferred bidder is a further vote of confidence in the partnership, and we look forward to working with SSE to deliver their ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment plan, supporting the UK and Scottish Government’s drive to net zero, whilst continuing to invest in the local communities in which we work”.

Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, said:

“Our Pathway to 2030 network redevelopment programme will play a huge role in delivering Scotland and the UK’s net zero targets and the selection of this group of preferred bidders for crucial elements of that redevelopment work is a massive step forward in delivering that.

“As we aim to conclude contract negotiations in the coming weeks and months, we look forward to working with each of the selected contractors in the delivery of our ‘Pathway to 2030’ projects.

“Not only will this work support the delivery of UK and Scottish Government net zero and energy security targets, but our forthcoming investments will provide significant local and national economic opportunities, helping unleash the economic potential of the north of Scotland.”

This marks another significant milestone in the delivery of key contracts for the 2030 Scottish electricity onshore transmission network plans - Read more here