SSEN Transmission’s £29bn investment in new and upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure could support 10,000 jobs in the north of Scotland – with 14,000 across the rest of the country – a new report has revealed.

The new economic report, Re‑energising the North: Transforming Scotland, suggests the £29bn would be one of the largest programmes of infrastructure investment in Scottish history.

The report says that over the next five years the investment will:

• Support up to 10,000 jobs in the north of Scotland and 24,000 across Scotland
• When added to investment by other transmission operators and investment in generation will add around £60bn to UK economic output - with the Scottish economy up to 3% larger over the long term
• Deliver long-term improvements in productivity, wages and economic resilience, with employees moving into higher-value roles and key sectors expanding permanently
• Create opportunities for Scottish suppliers, businesses and communities across multiple sectors, including forestry, peatland restoration, aggregates and concrete

The findings highlight the importance of ensuring that the benefits of investment are felt locally, with thousands of skilled jobs, increased supply chain activity and investment into communities across the north of Scotland.

Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission, 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.”

Click here to read the report.