SSEN Distribution has announced a £450 million investment to upgrade the north of Scotland’s electricity network.
The investment is for ensuring it can handle the growing demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps and renewable energy sources.
Spanning nine regions from Dundee and Aberdeen to the Highlands, islands and Argyll, the investment will strengthen existing infrastructure, improve reliability and help Scotland meet its net zero targets.
Overhead lines and wooden poles will be renewed, substations modernised and underground networks reinforced.
Five major contractors will deliver the upgrades, securing or creating at least 300 skilled jobs.
SSEN’s director of large capital delivery, Fraser Hood, said: “The transformative investment we’re making means we’re in the best-possible position to deliver an electricity system which will support sustainable economic growth, benefit the environment in the decades to come, and create significant job opportunities during construction in communities across the north of Scotland.”
The upgrades will also make the grid more resilient to extreme weather and reduce supply chain risks by securing specialist skills for the long term.
This investment aligns with SSEN’s net zero commitments and will ensure 800,000 customers across the region benefit from a stronger, smarter electricity network.
