ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN) has awarded a £110 million contract to energy infrastructure specialist M Group to modernise a key electricity transmission corridor across central and southern Scotland.

Under the contract, M Group will replace more than 70 kilometres of overhead transmission line along the strategic Strathaven to Smeaton route, which connects South Lanarkshire with East Lothian and serves as one of the main electricity corridors between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The project involves the complete refurbishment of the 400kV overhead line, which was originally constructed in the 1960s. Almost one million metres of high-capacity conductor will be installed, alongside the replacement of key components, to increase the network’s ability to transport electricity and accommodate future demand.

The upgrade is expected to strengthen electricity infrastructure for communities across the region, improve energy security and help increase Britain’s capacity to move power across the country. The project will also support the creation of 1,000 new jobs, with tens of thousands of additional employment opportunities expected across the wider supply chain.

The contract forms part of SP Energy Networks’ £5.4 billion transmission framework, under which 19 companies have been selected as preferred partners to support the delivery of a wider £12 billion transmission investment programme in central and southern Scotland.

The framework includes up to £3 billion for new overhead lines and £2.4 billion for new and upgraded substations, covering design, engineering, construction and electrical works. The strategic partnerships will initially run for five years, with an option to extend them for up to 10 years.

ScottishPower is investing £24 billion in the UK through 2028 to strengthen and expand the country’s electricity grid, support rising power demand, connect new homes and businesses and reduce network constraints.

Michael Shanks, UK Government Minister for Energy, said the investment would help upgrade the electricity grid while supporting domestic supply chains, jobs and investment in communities across the UK.

Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said the contract reflects the economic growth being generated by the company’s £12 billion investment in transmission infrastructure across central and southern Scotland.

David Maddocks, Managing Director – Overhead Lines at M Group, said the company would fully refurbish the 400kV Strathaven to Smeaton line, replacing components installed in the 1960s and deploying high-capacity technology to support future electricity demand.

SP Energy Networks operates more than 4,500 kilometres of overhead electricity lines, 600 kilometres of underground cables and over 150 substations across central and southern Scotland. The company also operates high-voltage subsea cables and is developing two new underwater electricity links off Britain’s east coast.