AN economic analysis has revealed that SSEN Transmission’s plans to deliver ‘at least’ £22 billion in mission critical grid infrastructure could support up to 17,500 jobs in Scotland.
The business plan relates to the RIIO-T3 price control, which covers the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.
Underpinned by three goals for the RIIO-T3 period of reliable energy, clean power, and legacy, the plan aims to provide zero interruptions in electricity supply to homes and businesses, enable the north of Scotland transmission network to meet 20% of UK demand for clean power; and drive investments in the energy transition that delivers lasting benefits.
Alongside the expenditure of around £22.3 billion over the RIIO-T3 period – which comprises a baseline expenditure of around £6 billion and around £16 billion of committed strategic investments that have received approval of need from Ofgem – SSEN has also set out the potential for an additional £9.4 billion of future uncertainty expenditure, which would bring the total to around £31.7 billion.
Economic analysis, which has been independently peer reviewed by BiGGAR Economics, forecast that – if delivered in full – the potential £31.7 billion total investment could support up to 37,000 jobs across the UK, 17,500 of which in Scotland, including 8,400 in the north of Scotland.
The plans will also support the development of at least 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland.
Rob McDonald, MD of SSEN Transmission, commented, “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 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, added, “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.”
