SSEN Transmission has published commitments which detail the economic and other legacy benefits for communities in the region from its investment to upgrade the electricity grid.
SSEN Transmission has pledged to deliver a series of specific outcomes for Aberdeenshire through its £22bn+ planned programme of investment to upgrade the electricity grid in the north of Scotland, subject to securing the necessary planning consents.
These gains for the Aberdeenshire area include:
- Boosting the economy by up to £820m - with an estimated local spend of up to £1bn in transmission projects across the Aberdeenshire region
- Supporting an estimated 1,140 jobs in Aberdeenshire
- Over 300 new legacy homes over five different development sites in Aberdeenshire, supporting the delivery of affordable and social housing
- Unlocking £32m of community benefit investment through projects in Aberdeenshire.
This initiative follows SSEN Transmission becoming the first business to sign the Highland Social Value Charter last November.
In December, SSEN Transmission announced the first of its housing projects in Aberdeenshire, in Turriff.
Commenting on this investment in Aberdeenshire economy, Paul Cooley, Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “We are very pleased to publish a detailed set of gains for the people and economy of Aberdeenshire that are unlocked by upgrading the electricity transmission grid. Investment in a modern grid to achieve energy security and clean power for the country goes hand in hand with building stronger communities in Aberdeenshire.
“Jobs, new housing, work for local businesses, and investment in infrastructure is exactly what Aberdeenshire needs, and we are determined to play our part in delivering them. By building a lasting legacy of benefits with our partners and stakeholders, we create more opportunities for people to live, work and raise families in local communities.”
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “We welcome SSEN Transmission’s commitment to the North-east economy through delivery of high-quality jobs and investment in local supply chains. Upgrades to our electricity grid infrastructure are crucial to our ability to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in clean energy, but we need to act now without further delay. These essential upgrades will ultimately benefit businesses and households across the country, securing our region’s position as an energy powerhouse and ensuring our future prosperity.”
- An investment programme of up to £7.2bn, with an estimated local spend of up to £1bn in transmission projects across the Aberdeenshire region
- Boosting the Aberdeenshire economy by up to £820m (total GVA)
- A boost to the construction sector by up to 20% annually
- Supporting an estimated 1,140 jobs across the Aberdeenshire region
- £500m to be spent on enabling works, including investment in roads infrastructure
- Over 300 new legacy homes over five different development sites in Aberdeenshire, supporting delivery of affordable and social housing
- Recruited 183 staff locally in the last year, including 38 ‘earn as you learn’ roles, and expecting another 150 new staff in the area over the next five years
- An average salary of £56,000 for Aberdeenshire employees
- Unlocking £32m of community benefit investment through Aberdeenshire projects
- £16m of funding will be available through local funds to support Aberdeenshire communities close to new infrastructure
- The additional £16m will form part of the regional fund to provide impactful investment across the broader region
- 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and no net loss of woodland on all new projects