Environmental Management for SSE’s Landmark Scheme
Delivering bespoke environmental management, water supply protection, and real-time compliance tracking for one of Scotland’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Transmission & Distribution
The UK and Ireland’s energy systems are undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. As we transition to a low-carbon economy, the need for robust, flexible, and future-ready transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure has never been greater. From new substations and overhead lines to underground cables and grid reinforcements, T&D projects are critical to enabling renewable integration, electrification, and energy security.
But delivering these projects is no small task. Developers and network operators must navigate a complex web of planning policy, environmental regulation, engineering constraints, and community engagement. Projects often span multiple jurisdictions, landowners, and technical disciplines, which demand a coordinated, expert-led approach.
At Arthian, we bring together planners, engineers, environmental consultants, and safety specialists to deliver T&D infrastructure that is compliant, efficient, and built to last. Whether you’re working on a DNO reinforcement, a National Grid connection, or a private wire scheme, we provide the insight and support to move your project forward.
How Arthian Can Help
We offer a full suite of consultancy services for transmission and distribution projects, including:
- Route Planning & Feasibility Studies: identifying optimal routes for overhead lines, underground cables, and substations based on technical, environmental, and planning constraints.
- Substation & Cable Route Design: providing civil, structural, and process engineering support for substation layouts, cable trenching, and access infrastructure.
- Planning Applications & Stakeholder Engagement: managing planning submissions and consultation strategies to secure timely, robust consents.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): coordinating EIA screening, scoping, and full Environmental Statements for major grid infrastructure projects.
- Grid Connection & Regulatory Support: Supporting applications to DNOs, National Grid, and Ofgem, including compliance with G99, G100, and other grid codes.
- Construction Support: a full-service construction solution, assisting clients with licenses, ecological surveys and biodiversity net gain, pollution prevention, alongside temporary works, CEMP development and supporting environmental compliance during construction.
Arthian and the T&D Project Lifecycle
Transmission and distribution projects are inherently multidisciplinary. Arthian brings together the full range of expertise needed to deliver them successfully—from early-stage feasibility to long-term operation.
Feasibility & Route Selection
We support clients in identifying technically and environmentally viable routes for overhead lines, underground cables, and substations. Our feasibility studies consider landscape impact, topography, access, environmental constraints, and planning risk, providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
Planning & Consents
Our RTPI-accredited planners lead the preparation of planning applications, coordinating inputs from landscape, ecology, heritage, and transport specialists. We manage stakeholder engagement, public consultation, and negotiations with planning authorities to secure timely, robust consents.
Add a bit in about Section 37 – overhead lines (transmission) application screened by planning authority – consent process (checking re: England/Scotland/Wales) – definitely still need it, chat to Steven Cameron
We also support:
- Development Plan Representations to promote grid-friendly policies
- Permitting and licensing for construction and operation
- Coordination with statutory consultees
Environmental Assessment
Our environmental consultants deliver a full suite of assessments to support site screening, scoping, planning and EIA, including:
- Ecology, Ornithology and Biodiversity Net Gain
- Landscape and Visual Impact
- Noise and Air Quality
- Flood Risk and Drainage
- Archaeology and Heritage
- Transport & Access
- Forestry
- Geology, Hydrogeology and Hydrology
- Climate & Carbon
We ensure that environmental risks are identified early and mitigated effectively, supporting sustainable design and smooth planning outcomes.
Engineering & Infrastructure Design
Our engineers support the design of:
- Substation platforms and foundations
- Earthworks design and materials management
- Peat landslide hazard risk assessments
- Access roads and haul routes
- Cable routes and trenching
- Drainage and surface water management systems
- Directional drilling – HDD under road crossings
- Warrants and SER certificates
- Acoustic design
We also provide structural and civil input for switchgear buildings, control rooms, and associated infrastructure.
Construction & Compliance
During construction, we provide:
- Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
- Site audits and compliance monitoring
- Environmental Managers and Environmental and Ecological Clerks of Works (EnCoW)
- Health & Safety support and CDM coordination
- Temporary Works
We help ensure that construction is delivered safely and legally.
Why choose Arthian?
Proven Track Record
We’ve supported BESS projects up to 100MW+ across the UK.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our team includes planners, engineers, environmental scientists, and sustainability consultants.
Integrated Delivery
We work as one team, reducing handover risks and ensuring joined-up thinking across disciplines.
Regulatory Insight
We stay ahead of evolving planning policy, grid codes, and environmental regulation.
Client-Focused
We tailor our support to your site, your process, and your commercial goals.
Our Latest Projects
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.