SSEN Transmission in the Highlands: Powering into the future…together
When it comes to clean power, we have to be in it together.
The Scottish and UK governments have ambitious net zero and clean power targets, and at SSEN Transmission we’re playing our part in meeting them - looking to deliver 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.
Scotland is playing a big role in meeting this demand, helping boost energy security by transporting more renewable energy around the country.
Our network in the north of Scotland will play a leading role in the clean energy transition, connecting and transporting renewable electricity from wind, hydro and marine generation.
There is a lot of work to do - but the benefits for the Highlands are real and significant.
Our site workforce is estimated to peak in 2027 at around 5000 workers and all, of course, need to be housed while they are employed in Highland communities.
SSE has a proud tradition of housing in the areas where we operate, housing that still exists today originally built for a Hydro workforce.
Recognising the housing challenges that exist in the Highlands today we are working with councils, registered social landlords and other housing organisations to deliver new homes - for our workers in the short term but there to support local need when the projects are completed.
We have pledged to support the delivery of more than 1000 new homes across the north of Scotland in total, 400 of them in the Highland Council area.
As our managing director, Rob McDonald, said: “Our £20 billion investment in the transmission network is the biggest investment programme the north of Scotland has seen in decades – and our ambition to create a housing legacy reflects our determination to make a lasting and positive contribution in the communities hosting our infrastructure.”
Also at SSEN Transmission, we were delighted to announce recently the launch of our regional Community Benefit fund, aimed at supporting projects that make a positive impact in our communities.
As of September, eligible organisations in the north of Scotland have been able to apply for a share of an initial £2 million, part of our opening £10m community benefit fund.
This initial funding aims to kickstart impactful projects or initiatives that will bring meaningful benefits to communities.
Our Community Benefit Fund will allow a share of the benefits to go directly to those communities hosting new transmission infrastructure, bringing substantial benefits and a positive, lasting legacy across the north of Scotland.
Our first fund, for communities situated close to infrastructure, has now launched along the East Coast, with more to be announced in 2025. For details see ssen-transmission.co.uk/communitybenefit
The focus for these funds will be developed through discussions with communities, ensuring that local priorities are supported.
We are immensely proud to provide substantial funding through our community benefit funds, paving the way for a more prosperous future in the communities we serve.
Our goal is to empower communities to not only meet today’s challenges but to thrive well into the future, ensuring that the benefits of this funding are felt for many years to come - the same ambition that we have for the new energy infrastructure powering us towards clean power and net zero.
