The framework covers SSE’s planned investment into overhead power lines above 132kV up to 400kV, across its operating area in Scotland. SSE, which owns and operates the transmission network covering 70% of Scotland, is undertaking a £1.5bn programme of projects over the coming years.
Balfour Beatty has so far been allocated three schemes within the framework, together worth around £80m; the Foyers to Knocknaegal 275kV line, the Dounreay to Myster 275kV/132kV line, both of which begin in 2014, and the Dounreay to Gills Bay 132kV, which is due to commence in 2015. The company will have the opportunity to win further schemes as they are developed by SSE.
The contract will be run from Balfour Beatty’s existing power office in Cumbernauld. It will build on the expertise the company has gained from working on major power schemes in Scotland for SSE, including the Beauly to Denny, Beauly to Mossford and Beauly Blackhillock projects.
Neil Kirkby, Managing Director, Balfour Beatty – Power T&D, said:
“We’re very pleased to be one of SSE’s partners delivering its important power infrastructure upgrades over the coming years.
“Balfour Beatty is committed to helping the sustainability of communities, and we will be doing everything we can to bring benefits to the local economy through our work in Scotland. This includes using SSE’s procurement portal, Open4Business, to ensure that as much of our supply chain as possible is in the local area, and fully supporting SSE’s pledge to provide the living wage.”