Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Unveils £7.4bn Infrastructure Framework Programme

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (Shet) has commenced procurement for a major infrastructure framework valued at up to £7.4 billion, aimed at supporting the expansion and modernisation of Scotland's electricity transmission network.

The framework will provide long-term delivery capacity for a wide range of civil engineering, building, overhead line and underground cable projects as Shet accelerates investment to accommodate growing renewable energy generation and strengthen the country's energy infrastructure.

Based in Perth and operating as a subsidiary of SSE, Shet manages the high-voltage transmission network across northern Scotland. The organisation is undertaking one of the largest infrastructure investment programmes in its history as demand for grid connections continues to increase.

The newly announced Civils, Buildings, Overhead Lines (OHL) and Underground Cables (UGC) Multi-Site Framework has been structured into six separate lots, covering a broad spectrum of construction and engineering disciplines.

These include lower-value civil engineering projects, major civils schemes, buildings and infrastructure works, pole-based overhead transmission lines, tower-based transmission lines, and underground cable construction.

Across the framework, successful contractors will support the design, planning, management, construction, testing and completion of projects linked to network reinforcement, asset replacement programmes and customer connection schemes.

The framework has an estimated maximum value of £7.4 billion excluding VAT and will operate for periods of up to eight years, depending on the individual lot.

Regional and Major Civil Engineering Works

The civil engineering element has been divided into two categories. Projects valued below £10 million will cover activities such as substation preparation, access roads, drainage systems, cable duct installation, fencing works and peatland restoration. These opportunities have been split across five geographic regions, allowing suppliers to bid for individual areas or multiple regions.

Higher-value projects will involve more technically demanding schemes requiring extensive stakeholder coordination and specialist engineering expertise. Typical works are expected to include reinforced foundations for substations, bridge construction, retaining structures, culverts, flood mitigation measures, watercourse diversions and resilience upgrades to existing network assets.

Buildings and Support Infrastructure

A dedicated lot has been established for building and infrastructure projects, encompassing the construction and refurbishment of operational facilities such as training centres, office accommodation, storage buildings and welfare facilities.

Contractors appointed to this lot will be responsible for managing design processes, planning activities, Building Information Modelling (BIM) development, environmental assessments and sustainability requirements. The programme also includes the replacement of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) roof structures where required.

Transmission Line Construction

Overhead transmission infrastructure will be delivered through two separate framework lots.

The pole-based package will focus primarily on 132kV transmission networks and includes foundation works, pole installation, conductor stringing and modifications to existing infrastructure.

The tower-based package covers larger transmission routes operating at 132kV, 275kV and 400kV. Works will include foundation construction, lattice tower erection, conductor installation, route diversions and integration with operational transmission assets.

Underground Cable Projects

The underground cable framework lot will support transmission projects operating at 132kV and above. Activities are expected to include route development, excavation works, duct installation, cable laying, joint bay construction, testing, commissioning and final environmental reinstatement.

Supporting Scotland's Energy Transition

Shet is procuring the framework through a negotiated procedure with prior competition and has invited interested organisations to submit expressions of interest by 16 July.

The framework forms a central part of the company's long-term strategy to reinforce Scotland's electricity transmission network, enabling the connection of increasing volumes of renewable energy generation while supporting future electrification and net-zero objectives.

As investment in energy infrastructure continues to accelerate, the programme is expected to create significant opportunities for contractors, consultants and specialist suppliers across the construction, engineering and utilities sectors over the coming decade.