SSEN Transmission has outlined plans for a state-of-the-art £150m training facility in Aberdeenshire to equip the clean power workforce of the future as the company accelerates delivery of high-voltage network upgrades across north east Scotland.

The proposed hub would provide dedicated training for employees and contractors, building specialist capability to operate, maintain and expand the transmission network. It forms part of SSEN Transmission's wider £29bn programme to reinforce the north of Scotland's electricity infrastructure. The business has grown five-fold over the past five years as it steps up delivery to support a secure, low-carbon energy system.

Public consultation events will be held this year to help shape the design ahead of a planning application. Subject to consents, the facility is scheduled for delivery in the early 2030s.

Once operational, the centre is expected to support hundreds of trainees annually with hands-on instruction across a range of operational scenarios. Around 10 permanent roles — spanning training, operational and support functions — are planned at the site, supplemented by experienced local engineers and external tutors. The activity is expected to bring wider economic benefits to nearby shops, hospitality and other local businesses.

The north east facility will complement SSEN Transmission's existing Faskally Training Centre in Perth, offering a purpose-built environment with a blend of established and emerging technologies, plus space to test innovation before deployment.

First Minister John Swinney said: "This announcement is a significant investment in the future of the north east of Scotland. A dedicated facility to develop the specialist skills needed to build, operate and maintain the high-voltage electricity network of tomorrow will play a key role in our energy future.

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"The north east is already home to world-class technical expertise built over decades in the energy sector and this hub will help to make sure that expertise continues to be at the heart of Scotland's clean power future. I am delighted that SSEN Transmission's new state of the art training facility will contribute to this future."

Dave McKay, Network Director at SSEN Transmission said: "Developing the skilled workforce needed to deliver, operate and maintain a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy future is critical.

"Our plans for a new training facility in the north east of Scotland reflect our long-term commitment and proud track record of investing in people, skills and the communities we serve.

"Not only will this new hub support the training needs for existing staff, it will also play a key role in supporting a just transition, helping those in high-carbon roles to build the skills needed for low-carbon careers while creating opportunities for new entrants and the next generation of green energy workers.

"By strengthening our training capability, we'll ensure our teams are equipped to develop, operate and maintain the transmission network for decades to come."

In a joint statement, Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leaders, Cllr Stewart Adams and Cllr Anne Stirling, said: "We warmly welcome investment in this new SSEN Transmission training facility, which represents a significant vote of confidence in the north east of Scotland. This facility will play an important role in training the workforce of tomorrow, ensuring that our region remains at the heart of the UK's energy transition. By delivering high-quality, industry-led skills development locally, it will create new and lasting employment opportunities while enabling people and businesses to thrive as the energy sector evolves."

Russell Borthwick, CEO, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: "With an offshore wind investment opportunity of around £100 billion, the world's largest tidal stream energy array, and long-term opportunities in pumped hydro, hydrogen and wider low-carbon infrastructure, Scotland has an unrivalled opportunity to be Europe's renewable energy engine room.

"SSEN Transmission has already set out plans to invest £29bn to upgrade the network across the north of Scotland by 2030, and this new training facility is exactly the kind of investment in people and skills needed to deliver that programme. Unlocking Scotland's renewable energy potential depends on building the grid infrastructure to move clean power from where it is generated to where it is needed - and this facility will help equip the workforce required to make that happen.

"It is also hugely encouraging to see this investment being made in the north east. Aberdeen's energy expertise is known around the world, and this training centre will help ensure that experience continues to shape an industry which will be central to the region's future, as well as its past."

Situated in a region with a strong engineering heritage and an evolving energy sector, the Aberdeenshire site is intended to bolster wider regional economic activity in line with SSEN Transmission's rapid growth and expanding role in delivering Scotland's clean power infrastructure.

The project follows the company's plan, announced in November, to recruit 600 'earn as you learn' roles by 2030. Further details will be shared as development progresses.