SSEN Transmission to invest £10b into Scottish electric networks
Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) Transmission has announced a £10 billion programme of investment into the transmission network across the north of Scotland.
The investment, states the British energy company, will play a key role in enabling the connection of up to 11GW of new offshore wind capacity through ScotWind projects, enough to power more than ten million homes in the UK.
The investment forms part of the ‘Pathway to 2030 programme’ and is hoped to enable connection of over one fifth of the UK Government’s 50GW 2030 offshore wind goal.
The projects include several new onshore reinforcements and subsea links and are part of a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across Great Britain that is required to meet UK and Scottish Government climate change and energy security targets.
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Commenting on the investment was energy secretary Neil Gray, who said:
“As our draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition sets out, we need to invest in our grid infrastructure if we are to enable the full utilisation of current renewable generation, and to realise the enormous potential of further deployment.
“This report highlights the significant opportunities that such investment in our grid infrastructure will bring for our workforce, our supply chain and our regional and national economies. I look forward to the SSEN Transmission Pathway to 2030 Programme progressing at pace.”
Rob McDonald, managing director for SSEN Transmission, added: “The development and delivery of our Pathway to 2030 programme is critical to enable the deployment of homegrown and affordable, low carbon power, with this £10bn investment in grid arguably the most important enabler…
“We are committed to maximise the opportunities these projects will provide to communities and businesses across the north of Scotland, whilst also working closely with all stakeholders to develop these projects in a way that seeks to minimise and mitigates community and environmental impacts.”
Pathway to 2030 Hub Project Video from SSEN on Vimeo.
