A visit to Keith and Blackhillock Scottish & Southern Energy Network Substations offers a rare opportunity to witness how Scotland’s electricity infrastructure is being transformed to meet Net Zero ambitions. These sites showcase the evolution from traditional substations to cutting-edge reinforcements and pioneering battery storage solutions. Visitors will gain first-hand insight into the innovation, engineering excellence, and strategic importance of these facilities in shaping the UK’s low-carbon energy future.
Important
There are only 12 places available. You will need to bring your own PPE which must include: Hard Hat, Safety Glasses, Hi Viz, Arc Flash Coveralls, Safety Boots.
Registration Fee
There is a modest regisration fee of £25 plus VAT to secure your space. Refreshments and a snack lunch will be provided.
Travel Directions:
Little Gibston Compound, AB55 5NY, What Three Words:///tests.valued.pool
Travelling from Aberdeen on the A96 before arriving at Keith village (approx. 0.5 miles), take a left turn signed ‘Blackhillock’, continue on this road for 0.75 miles and the compound will be on the right, look for stored cable drums. Remember to reverse park please.
What you will see
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1. Keith Substation Extension
Built in the 1960s, Keith Substation has long been a cornerstone of Moray’s electricity network. Today, it is undergoing a major extension and upgrade, replacing life-expired equipment to support the region’s growing renewable power demands. Visitors will see how carefully planned works — including new 132kV circuit bays, cable sealing end compounds, and the removal of ageing overhead towers — are ensuring Keith is fit for decades of service. This project represents the careful balance of modern engineering within an established site, ensuring reliability while supporting Scotland’s transition to Net Zero.
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2. Blackhillock Transmission Reinforcement
At Blackhillock, visitors will explore one of the largest and most advanced substations in the UK. This vast site integrates 400kV and 275kV transmission infrastructure with a state-of-the-art HVDC converter station, linking Caithness to Moray and beyond. Capable of carrying up to 1200MW of clean electricity, the reinforced network includes high-capacity underground cables to Keith, dramatically increasing resilience and flexibility. This is where engineering scale meets national impact — a true superhub of the future energy system.
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3. Blackhillock Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Pioneering Grid Stability
Adjacent to the transmission hub, visitors will see the groundbreaking 300MW / 600MWh Blackhillock Battery, Europe’s largest transmission-connected battery at the time of commissioning. This facility plays a critical role in maximising renewable energy output, reducing congestion from major offshore wind farms, and providing real-time grid stability services. With its scale and advanced control systems, the BESS demonstrates how innovation in energy storage is essential to unlocking Scotland’s renewable potential and ensuring affordable, reliable power for homes and businesses.
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Why Visit?
A tour of Keith and Blackhillock offers:
• A behind-the-scenes look at infrastructure powering Scotland’s Net Zero future.
• Direct engagement with pioneering engineering solutions, from circuit replacements to HVDC technology.
• Insights into the role of large-scale battery storage in balancing renewable energy.
These sites together illustrate the past, present, and future of Scotland’s electricity system — and the engineering brilliance enabling the clean energy transition.
Who Should Attend
- Energy industry professionals, young engineers, and students
- Policy makers and regulators
- Sustainability advocates
This will be an exciting day of knowledge sharing and networking, offering you the chance to learn from experts and connect with peers in the field.