SSEN-Transmission Investment Unlocks Growth & Jobs in the Highlands & Islands

Secure power for generations

SSEN Transmission is on its way to delivering one of the biggest investment programmes in the north of Scotland for almost a century. This investment is crucial to unlocking the country’s substantial renewable energy resources and will provide significant economic and employment opportunities within local communities.

With a goal to reach net zero by 2045 and 2050 respectively, Scotland and the UK is on an accelerated journey towards a homegrown energy system that is cheaper, cleaner and more secure, and SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme represents a £20bn investment to deliver an electricity grid that fulfils Scotland’s potential as a clean energy powerhouse.

With new overhead lines, substations, convertor stations and subsea links, the programme is aligned with 2030 o shore wind connection dates that is part of a major upgrade of the electricity transmission system across Great Britain that will deliver clean, affordable energy to homes and businesses.

By 2050, the north of Scotland is predicted to contribute over 50GW of low carbon energy to help deliver net zero. Today, the region has around 9GW of renewable generation connected to the network. Bridging this gap is vital, and the programme of upgrades planned will make a significant contribution towards this goal.

As part of its programme, SSEN Transmission is committed to a lasting and positive contribution to the environment, communities and economy of the north of Scotland, with the creation of thousands of skilled, green jobs across the region and multi-million-pound contracts with local supply chain partners.

In total, it is expected to deliver £6.2bn GVA to the UK economy, £2.5bn of which will be in Scotland, supporting 20,000 jobs including 9,000 in Scotland. It is expected that the projects will deliver £5.37bn economic benefit to society, creating 400 direct jobs at SSEN Transmission in 2023 and a further 400 this year.

The programme is also expected to deliver £100 million in community benefit funding, as well as a commitment to contribute to the development of 200 new homes in the north of Scotland which will be handed to local organisations to provide accommodation for local people when the transmission infrastructure projects are completed – delivering a legacy for future generations.

One of the greatest risks to the natural environment and biodiversity is climate change, and these projects are part of the solution to tackle the global climate emergency and deliver net zero emissions in Scotland and across the UK.

SSEN Transmission is committed to delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on all projects, as well as compensatory planting for any trees felled during the construction phase – with native species where possible. And where projects are unable to completely avoid irreplaceable habitats, for example peatland or ancient woodland, there is also a commitment to restore more habitat than infrastructure works affect.

Underpinning all of this activity is the work SSEN Transmission is engaging in with local communities and key stakeholders, whose contributions are vital as it seeks to identify and mitigate impacts where possible. Through consultation the company has already made significant alterations to plans in response to community feedback.

With more infrastructure required to deliver net zero and energy security targets beyond 2030, SSEN Transmission remains fully committed to working with communities and stakeholders in a way that minimises community and environmental impacts, while maximising economic and employment opportunities in areas where investment can create a positive legacy.

By working together and sharing the benefits, SSEN Transmission aims to deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system for current and future generations.