SSEN Transmission has announced a new £2 million Community Unity Benefit, with anticipated £100m+ to follow.

The Fund will allow organisations across the north of Scotland to apply for a share of £2 million for projects that will aid skills development, support the culture of local communities, and help alleviate fuel poverty.

The fund marks the beginning of what could be over £100 million in support for communities in the north of Scotland, delivered as part of the largest electricity infrastructure programme the region has ever seen.

From today, groups throughout SSEN Transmission's network area can apply for a share of the funding being released from the company's opening £10m Regional Community Benefit Fund, from a minimum amount of £40,000 up to £500,000.

The deadline for applications is Friday 22 November, and decisions will be made in January 2025.

The launch of the Regional Fund is expected to be followed early next year by the launch of local funds dedicated to communities situated close to new infrastructure developments.

Based on initial indications from the UK Government, SSEN Transmission anticipates that over £100m in community benefit funding will be delivered in communities through its £20bn investment to upgrade the transmission network across the north of Scotland in support of UK and Scottish Government net zero and energy security ambitions.

Following extensive consultation with the public in 2023, the company has confirmed that priority for funding from its Regional Fund will be given to projects that deliver on one or more of three identified themes:

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• People: focusing on skills, training and employability;

• Place: emphasising the community and culture of the north of Scotland; and

• Reducing fuel poverty levels.

In July, SSEN Transmission appointed former Scottish government Minister Peter Peacock as inaugural Chair of the Regional Fund, which is overseen by an independent panel responsible for assessing applications.

Welcoming today's launch, Peter Peacock said: "This is first and foremost a great opportunity for communities in the north of Scotland, allowing charities and community organisations to deliver transformational impact and improve places and the lives of people.

"Funding can be a tool for building wealth within communities, empowering local people to create new opportunities, meet objectives, and strengthen community assets.

"We're looking to back good ideas that will help with skills and employability, that will create stronger places and further enrich their culture and will help tackle fuel poverty – a key issue across this region.

"If you've got big ideas, our Regional Community Benefit Fund has money. If we can match those ideas with that money we can deliver positive benefits in communities across the north of Scotland."

Christianna Logan, SSEN Transmission's Director of Customers and Stakeholders, added: "We are immensely proud to provide substantial funding through our Regional Community Benefit Fund, paving the way for a more prosperous future in the communities we serve.

"This initiative is about far more than just financial support; it's about creating a lasting legacy that resonates for generations.

"By investing in projects that enrich lives and strengthen community bonds, we are committed to generating real, sustainable value. Our goal is to empower communities to not only meet today's challenges but to thrive well into the future, ensuring that the benefits of this funding are felt for many years to come."

Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks said: "Upgrading our electricity networks means we can unleash renewable energy's true potential, but we also want to see communities living near that crucial infrastructure benefiting directly from it.

"Today's funding pot from SSEN Transmission will inject millions of pounds into vital community projects right across the north of Scotland, just as the area plays its critical role in helping deliver clean power by 2030, support good jobs, boost our energy independence and protect billpayers."

Acting Net Zero Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin said: "We are clear that increasing renewable energy and improvements to our electricity networks must benefit people across Scotland. The launch of SSEN Transmission's Community Benefit Fund, and the valuable contribution this will bring to Scotland's communities, is a welcome step towards realising a return for communities."