SSEN Transmission has detailed a comprehensive suite of economic and social commitments for Aberdeenshire as part of its massive £22 billion-plus programme to modernise the electricity grid in the north of Scotland.

Pending necessary planning approvals, the investment is expected to provide a transformative legacy for local communities.

The proposed upgrades are projected to boost the Aberdeenshire economy by up to £820 million in Gross Value Added (GVA). The company estimates a local spend of up to £1 billion on transmission projects within the region, which includes a £500 million allocation for enabling works such as vital road infrastructure improvements. The construction sector in the area is anticipated to see an annual boost of up to 20% due to these activities.

Employment remains a cornerstone of the pledge, with the programme supporting an estimated 1,140 jobs in Aberdeenshire. SSEN Transmission has already recruited 183 local staff over the past year—including 38 "earn as you learn" positions—and expects to hire a further 150 employees in the area over the next five years. The average salary for these regional roles currently stands at £56,000.

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Beyond infrastructure and employment, the plan includes:

• Housing: The delivery of over 300 new legacy homes across five development sites, with a focus on supporting affordable and social housing needs.

• Community Benefit: A £32 million investment fund, with £16 million dedicated to communities situated near new infrastructure and a further £16 million for a regional fund to support broader impactful projects.

• Environment: A commitment to a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and a "no net loss of woodland" policy on all new project sites.

Paul Cooley, Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, commented: "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."

He added: "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, welcomed the move, stating: "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."