M Group lands £110m ScottishPower transmission upgrade contract

ScottishPower Energy Networks has awarded M Group a £110m contract to modernise a major 400kV electricity transmission route across central and southern Scotland.

The contract will see M Group refurbish more than 70km of overhead transmission line along the Strathaven to Smeaton corridor, linking South Lanarkshire with East Lothian.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, the route will undergo a full upgrade including the installation of almost one million metres of high-capacity conductor and the replacement of key line components.

The works are designed to increase transmission capacity, strengthen network resilience and support future electricity demand across the region.

The contract forms part of SP Energy Networks’ £5.4bn transmission framework, which has appointed 19 preferred partners to support a wider £12bn investment programme across central and southern Scotland.

That framework includes up to £3bn for new overhead lines and £2.4bn for new and upgraded substations, covering design, engineering, construction and electrical works.

The wider investment programme is also expected to support significant employment across the sector, with the Strathaven to Smeaton project contributing to the creation of around 1,000 new jobs.

SP Energy Networks operates more than 4,500km of overhead lines, 600km of underground cables and over 150 substations across central and southern Scotland.