Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) Transmission revealed its plans to invest £10 billion ($12.5 billion) in networks in Scotland to facilitate the connection of up to 11 gigawatts of

offshore wind projects. The company's "Pathway to 2030 Programme" will involve investment in new onshore and sub-sea transmission links as part of a comprehensive upgrade of the electricity transmission network across Britain, aligned with climate change and energy security objectives.

This substantial investment will enhance grid capacity, allowing the initial phase of projects with a total capacity of up to 11 GW from the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round to connect to the UK's electricity grid. This capacity will be sufficient to power over 10 million homes, according to SSEN. The planned projects encompass two 2-GW high voltage direct current links connecting Peterhead in Scotland to England, two subsea links in Scottish waters, and onshore cable link upgrades.

Moreover, the investment program is expected to create over 9,000 jobs across Scotland, contributing to the local economy. SSEN Transmission, which operates and develops the high voltage electricity transmission system in the north of Scotland and remote islands, is 75% owned by power supplier SSE, with the remaining 25% owned by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board. The initiative aims to bolster the capacity and resilience of the electricity network, supporting the transition to a greener and more sustainable energy future in the UK. Photo by Philafrenzy, Wikimedia commons.