Freedom, part of NG Bailey, has been awarded a major contract worth around £130m by SSEN Distribution as part of its Large Capital Delivery Framework to upgrade the electricity network across the north of Scotland.
The contract will see Freedom carrying out projects across the Highlands and in Orkney, with work such as the renewal and reinforcement of SSEN’s network of wooden poles and overhead lines, upgrading and updating its substations and making improvements to the underground cable network.
All of the work being undertaken by Freedom and SSEN’s teams is designed to boost network resilience in the face of a more volatile climate, support the connection of low carbon technologies and decarbonised industries, and increase reliability for every customer.
SSEN said that the partnership with Freedom will allow work to be planned in a more effective and efficient way, completing upgrades, connections and asset replacement at the same time, ultimately reducing the impact on customers.
Carl Clay, Managing Director, Freedom, says, “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to assist SSEN in upgrading the electrical infrastructure across the Highlands and in Orkney. This partnership underscores Freedom’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality and sustainable solutions that support critical infrastructure projects.
“By working closely with SSEN, we aim to bring our expertise, agility and collaborative approach to ensure the successful delivery of projects that drive energy resilience and support the communities they serve.
“This framework represents a significant step in our journey to build long-term partnerships that align with our values and commitment to operational excellence.”
SSEN’s Director of Large Capital Delivery, Fraser Hood, adds, “The job of helping deliver net zero and its benefits for society is an enormous one, but this record investment from SSEN in the north of Scotland means we’re in the best possible position to effectively and efficiently deliver the fit-for-purpose electricity system for the future.
“In selecting Freedom as our contract partner after a fair, open, and competitive tendering process, we’ve secured the ability to deliver our massive programme of investment. This will ensure increased resilience, flexibility, and capacity for our 800,000 customers in the north of Scotland.
“At SSEN Distribution we’re committed to being at the heart of the communities we serve, and this investment of around £130m in our network across the Highlands and in Orkney will not only boost the reliability and resilience of our infrastructure here, this partnership with Freedom is also helping to maintain and create skilled jobs across these communities.”
