Following a competitive procurement process, Balfour Beatty, Siemens Energy BAM, J. Murphy & Sons, Wood Power Solutions, Omexom Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Burns & McDonnell, Morrison Energy Services, Linxon, IQA and NKT have all been selected.

Work will provide the overhead lines, underground cables and substations required to redevelop the transmission network in the north of Scotland between now and 2030.

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.”