Balfour Beatty Secures £325 Million SSEN Contract to Deliver Major Netherton Hub Energy Infrastructure Project
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has secured a major contract worth £325 million from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) to deliver the Netherton Hub project in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The two-year agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening the UK’s energy infrastructure and supporting the transition toward a more sustainable power network.
The contract has been awarded through SSEN’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) Offshore Framework and builds on Balfour Beatty’s previous involvement at the site. In 2025, the company was appointed to complete enabling works, establishing the foundation for the next phase of this nationally important infrastructure development.
The Netherton Hub is a key part of the UK’s wider electricity network upgrade programme, designed to improve the capacity and resilience of the grid while supporting the integration of renewable energy. The project will help enable clean energy generated in northern Scotland to be transmitted efficiently to major demand centres across the country, supporting the UK’s long-term decarbonisation goals.
As part of the project delivery, Balfour Beatty will be responsible for major earthworks and civil infrastructure activities. The scope includes the construction of five development platforms that will accommodate two substations and three converter stations, along with an operations base and supporting facilities.
The large-scale development will play an important role in connecting renewable energy sources, particularly offshore wind generation, with the national transmission system. By improving electricity transmission capability, the Netherton Hub will contribute to a more flexible and reliable energy network capable of meeting future demand.
Philip Hoare, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of the project and the company’s role in delivering critical infrastructure.
“Securing this contract reinforces Balfour Beatty’s position at the forefront of the UK’s energy infrastructure market,” said Hoare. “The Netherton Hub will play a pivotal role in enabling the delivery of secure, homegrown, low-carbon power at scale. We are proud to be working with SSEN to deliver infrastructure of such national importance – drawing on our proven expertise in complex, large-scale projects.”
The project reflects Balfour Beatty’s growing presence in the energy infrastructure sector, where demand is increasing for projects that support grid modernization, renewable energy connections, and the UK’s transition to cleaner power sources.
Beyond its contribution to energy security and sustainability, the Netherton Hub project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the local area. At the peak of construction, the project will employ more than 800 workers, creating opportunities for local employment and supporting the regional supply chain.
Balfour Beatty has also committed to developing future industry talent through apprenticeships and graduate opportunities. More than 5% of the workforce will be made up of apprentices and graduates, aligning with the company’s commitment to The 5% Club, an initiative focused on increasing investment in early-career talent.
The workforce strategy reflects Balfour Beatty’s wider approach to major infrastructure projects, combining technical delivery with skills development and community benefits. Through training opportunities and career pathways, the company aims to support the next generation of construction and engineering professionals.
The Netherton Hub forms part of a broader transformation of the UK’s electricity network, as the country works to increase renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Infrastructure projects of this scale are considered essential to achieving national climate targets while ensuring a secure and dependable energy supply.
With its extensive experience delivering complex infrastructure programmes, Balfour Beatty is positioned to support SSEN in bringing the project forward. The company’s involvement includes managing challenging civil engineering requirements, coordinating large-scale construction activities, and delivering infrastructure designed to operate for decades.
The award further strengthens the partnership between Balfour Beatty and SSEN, demonstrating continued confidence in the contractor’s ability to deliver critical energy projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
As construction progresses, the Netherton Hub is expected to become a vital component of Scotland’s future energy landscape, helping unlock renewable power potential and supporting the UK’s ambitions for a cleaner, more resilient electricity system.
Source Link:https://www.balfourbeatty.com/
