SSEN Transmission has announced a £10bn programme of investment into the network across the north of Scotland. This will play a key role in enabling the connection of up to 11GW of new offshore wind capacity through ScotWind projects, enough to power more than 10m homes and supporting over 9000 jobs across Scotland.
Known as the Pathway to 2030 Programme, the investment will support the transition to net zero and enable the continued expansion of Scotland’s renewable energy sector.
The projects include several onshore reinforcements and subsea links and are part of a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across Great Britain that is required to meet UK and Scottish government climate change and energy security targets.
New analysis carried out by BiGGAR Economics has revealed the significant impact that the programme will have in delivering substantial economic benefit to Scotland and the UK – supporting thousands of high value green jobs from early careers opportunities to technical roles, helping to accommodate those transitioning from the oil and gas sectors.
The study revealed the Pathway to 2030 is expected to contribute around £2.5bn to the Scottish economy, supporting around 9000 jobs on top of the 400 direct jobs created at the company in 2022/23, and a further 500 roles this coming financial year.
SSEN Transmission’s projects will play a critical role in enabling the transition to net zero, building the infrastructure necessary to transport renewable energy from the north of Scotland to demand centres. This investment will help to unlock the vast potential of the Scottish renewable industry to meet the UK and Scottish government’s 2030 targets, boosting grid capacity to enable the first phase of ScotWind projects to connect to the GB grid, and helping to achieve home grown energy security.
This new project reinforces SSE Group’s fully funded Net Zero Acceleration Programme, which in Britain alone could see investment reach £40bn in the next decade. This investment in the north of Scotland’s critical grid infrastructure, and its associated and wider socio-economic benefits, will also help to support ambitions outlined in the Scottish government’s draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition.
Scottish Energy Secretary Neil Gray said: “As our draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition sets out, we need to invest in our grid infrastructure if we are to enable the full utilisation of current renewable generation, and to realise the enormous potential of further deployment. It is also vital that such infrastructure is delivered at the most efficient cost to consumers, and that local communities are fully engaged and derive lasting benefits.
“This report highlights the significant opportunities that such investment in our grid infrastructure will bring for our workforce, supply chain, and regional and national economies. I look forward to the SSEN Transmission Pathway to 2030 Programme progressing at pace to help realise the ambition set out in our draft Energy Strategy and deliver a fair and just energy transition in what is a decisive decade for action.”
SSEN Transmission managing director Rob McDonald (pictured) added: “This is a really exciting time for us. The development and delivery of our Pathway to 2030 programme is critical to enable the deployment of homegrown and affordable, low carbon power, with this £10bn investment in the grid arguably the most important enabler to securing Scotland and the UK’s future energy security and net zero ambitions.
“These investments will unleash the economic potential of the north of Scotland, supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs and delivering significant economic growth across the economy.
“We are committed to maximise the opportunities these projects will provide to communities and businesses across the north of Scotland, while also working closely with stakeholders to develop these projects in a way that seeks to minimise and mitigates community and environmental impacts.”