SSE plc has announced a major five-year investment programme, titled "Transformation for Growth," committing £33 billion to rapidly transform the UK’s electricity infrastructure. This fully-funded plan represents a significant increase in the company’s capital investment, designed to deliver long-term societal and economic benefits while supporting the transition to net zero.

The allocation of the massive investment is focused primarily on regulated assets, with 80% dedicated to electricity networks and the remainder going into flexible generation and renewables.

Key investment areas in Scotland include:

• Transmission Networks: Approximately £22 billion will be invested in SSE's electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. The bulk of this funding is earmarked for 11 established projects under the Pathway to 2030 programme, which aims to expand and strengthen the existing infrastructure. These vital network upgrades are essential for eliminating bottlenecks and connecting clean, homegrown energy to demand centres.

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• Distribution Networks: Around £5 billion will be invested in SSE's distribution networks in both the north of Scotland and central southern England. This investment will support growing demand from homes and businesses and enable the connection of low-carbon technologies.

The remaining investment will support flexible generation and renewables, including the completion of projects like Dogger Bank, which is currently under construction and set to become the world's largest offshore wind farm. SSE, which already supports 67,000 jobs directly and through its supply chains, expects this ramp-up of investment to significantly increase that number.

Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive of SSE plc, said: "Today's transformational investment plan will help build a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy system. Upgrading the UK electricity network offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for accelerated investment that is underpinned by secure UK Government regulatory frameworks. It will unlock much-needed growth across the wider economy and support thousands of jobs over the course of the plan.

"Our focused, disciplined and comprehensively funded investment plan will improve lives, whilst creating sustainable value for our shareholders and society for decades to come."