Scotland’s electricity operator has said its billions of pounds of investment could support up to 10,000 jobs across the north of Scotland.
SSEN Transmission’s report sets out the economic benefits associated with its planned £29 billion investment in new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure in the area.
Its report, titled Re‑energising The North: Transforming Scotland, provides an update on previous economic analysis of plans to invest in mission-critical grid infrastructure.
It concludes that SSEN Transmission’s investment will support up to 10,000 jobs in the north of Scotland, and 24,000 across the country.
Our investment programme represents one of the most substantial developments of the transmission network in its history
Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said: “Here in Scotland, we’re entering a period of unprecedented investment in our electricity transmission network, with significant upgrades planned across the north of the country over the coming decade.
“Our investment programme represents one of the most substantial developments of the transmission network in its history, providing the infrastructure needed to support a more secure, flexible and low-carbon energy system.
“This report highlights the wider benefits that come with that investment – from supporting jobs and supply chains to helping deliver sustainable economic growth across the communities and regions we serve.”
Scottish energy minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scotland is a global powerhouse in renewable energy, with a strong pipeline of future projects to grow that capacity even further and strengthen our energy security by decreasing our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“Transmission infrastructure is key to unlocking the full benefit of the clean, affordable and secure power that Scotland can generate from its own resources, by efficiently connecting with the people and businesses who rely on it every day, both in Scotland and beyond.
“I greatly welcome this investment from SSEN Transmission, as well as the wider economic benefit to communities across Scotland from the creation of new jobs and supply chain opportunities for businesses.
“This is exactly the kind of long-term commitment that will help Scotland lead the way to a clean energy future, delivering real benefits for households and businesses while supporting the Scottish Government’s ambitions for a just and prosperous transition to net zero.”
The report states SSEN Transmission’s programme is one of the largest private infrastructure investments in Scotland’s history.
It said the investment will create unique opportunities for Scottish suppliers, businesses and communities across multiple sectors, including forestry, peatland restoration, aggregates and concrete.
UK energy minister Michael Shanks said: “Investment into our electricity grid is creating tens of thousands of good, well-paid jobs in Scotland while growing the economy.
“We are delivering the biggest upgrade in our electricity network for a generation, benefitting the whole country by connecting more homegrown clean power so we can build energy independence from fossil fuels and lower bills.”