UP to one in five construction jobs in the north of Scotland will be linked to SSEN Transmission, a new report from the organisation has said.
The Re-energising the North report details the economics benefits associated with SSEN Transmission’s planned £29 billion investment in new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland over the next five years.
The report states that Scotland’s construction sector will be 5% larger in the medium term and that the UK economy will grow by 3% in the long term, on the back of the £29 billion investment. On average, £1.6 billion will be spent on businesses in the north.
In total, up to 10,000 jobs will be supported in the north of Scotland, with 24,000 across Scotland – with a median salary of £50,000, putting £375 million of salaries back into the economy.
Advanced economic modelling was used to create the report, with SSEN adding that, while major infrastructure investment can create short-term pressures, the long-term economic benefits are significant and enduring.
Rob McDonald, SSEN Transmission MD, said, “Here in Scotland, we’re entering a period of unprecedented investment in our electricity transmission network, with significant upgrades planned across the north of the country over the coming decade. Our investment programme represents one of the most substantial developments of the transmission network in its history, providing the infrastructure needed to support a more secure, flexible and low-carbon energy system.
“This report highlights the wider benefits that come with that investment – from supporting jobs and supply chains to helping deliver sustainable economic growth across the communities and regions we serve.”
Scottish Government energy minister, Stephen Gethins, added, “Scotland is a global powerhouse in renewable energy, with a strong pipeline of future projects to grow that capacity even further, and strengthen our energy security by decreasing our reliance on imported fossil fuels. “Transmission infrastructure is key to unlocking the full benefit of the clean, affordable and secure power that Scotland can generate from its own resources, by efficiently connecting with the people and businesses who rely on it every day both in Scotland and beyond.
“I greatly welcome this investment from SSEN Transmission, as well as the wider economic benefit to communities across Scotland from the creation of new jobs and supply chain opportunities for businesses. This is exactly the kind of long-term commitment that will help Scotland lead the way to a clean energy future, delivering real benefits for households and businesses while supporting the Scottish Government’s ambitions for a just and prosperous transition to net zero.”
