Jobs

SSEN to support creation of more than 17,000 jobs across Scotland

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2 days ago

December 10, 2024

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SSEN to support creation of more than 17,000 jobs across Scotland

SSEN is set to submit plans to support more than 17,000 new jobs across Scotland as part of its Pathway to 2030 programme.

The company has said it plans to deliver at least £7bn in mission-critical grid infrastructure across the country through the business plan, which covers reliable energy, clean power and driving investment which delivers transformative lasting benefits for local communities.

The plans follow climate change and energy security targets set out by the UK and Scottish Governments, delivering a pathway to net zero emissions and helping underpin the UK Government’s Clean Power by 2030 ambition.

Economic analysis, independently peer reviewed by leading consultancy BiGGAR Economics, forecasts that, if delivered in full, the potential £31.7bn total investment could support up to 37,000 jobs across the UK, with 17,500 of those in Scotland.

More than 8,000 roles would be situated in the north of Scotland.

It represents one of the largest ever private investment programmes in Scotland and will act as a major driver of jobs and economic growth across the country.

Meanwhile the company also plans to deliver more than 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland to address housing challenges in a first for the industry.

The Highland and Aberdeenshire local authority areas are set to get 400 homes each, while other significant housing activity is planned elsewhere across SSEN Transmission’s area.

Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, said: “Our RIIO-T3 Business Plan sets out an ambitious, deliverable blueprint, to unlock the unprecedented levels of investment required to deliver UK and Scottish net zero and energy security targets, including the Clean Power by 2030 mission.

“In what is one of the largest investment programmes of all time in Scotland, this plan will also support tens of thousands of jobs across the country, turbo-charging the economy and delivering a transformational and lasting legacy for communities, the economy and nature.

“We now look forward to working constructively with Ofgem, Government and wider stakeholders to ensure the future regulatory framework secures the investment required to support the nation’s ambitious goals and delivers the vast economic opportunities the clean transition presents.”

Alistair Phillips Davies, chief executive of SSE plc, said: “The RIIO-3 price control comes at a critical juncture in the effort to deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations.

“With a new national mission to deliver clean power by 2030 in order to boost energy security and protect future consumers, unlocking the right level of investment during the next price control will be key.

“We’re setting out today the extent of our ambition and commitment; it is now crucial that Ofgem backs that ambition with an investable and financeable framework, setting an appropriate cost of equity that recognises the unprecedented levels of investment required to decarbonise the economy and deliver a clean power system.”