Ofgem has approved early construction funding for major electricity transmission projects in Scotland to accelerate grid upgrades supporting renewable energy.
The funding covers projects including a new Denny to Wishaw power line and upgrades between Tealing and Kincardine, alongside eight further schemes, Ofgem said.
The projects form part of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment programme and aim to expand capacity to connect more clean power, it added.
The Denny to Wishaw line is expected to carry enough renewable electricity to supply around one million homes.
Early funding allows transmission operators to secure key components such as HVDC cables and substation equipment and begin initial works.
Ofgem said it has now granted early funding to all 26 projects in the programme.
Director of major projects at Ofgem Beatrice Filkin said: “By unlocking early funding for these projects, we aim to accelerate their delivery. This is crucial for strengthening Britain’s energy security and cutting constraint costs and exposure to volatile international gas prices by providing more grid capacity.
“Early funding helps transmission operators secure scarce components, avoid supply-chain delays, and deliver the grid upgrades needed to power homes and businesses with more clean, homegrown energy.”
She added: “However this isn’t planning consent for the schemes which will be considered by the relevant planning authorities.
“As financial regulator of these projects, we’ll protect consumers by ensuring any early spend is targeted, any unused funding is returned, and costs can only be recovered where there’s a clear benefit for billpayers.”