New analysis from SSEN Transmission suggests a multibillion-pound programme to expand and modernise the north of Scotland's electricity grid could underpin substantial job creation and long-term economic gains while accelerating the shift to clean power.

The report — Re-energising the North: Transforming Scotland — updates earlier work and sets out the anticipated benefits of around £29bn of planned transmission investment over the next five years. SSEN Transmission says the build-out would be central to delivering secure, affordable, low-carbon electricity for Scotland and the UK, while acting as a springboard for wider growth.

The company describes the programme as one of the biggest private infrastructure undertakings in Scotland's history. Using advanced economic modelling, the study concludes the investment:

- Will support up to 10,000 jobs in the north of Scotland, and 24,000 across Scotland.

- When combined with spending by other transmission operators and investment in generation, will add around £60bn to UK economic output — with the Scottish economy up to 3% larger over the long term.

- Will drive sustained improvements in productivity, wages and economic resilience, with more people moving into higher-value roles and key sectors expanding permanently.

- Will generate distinctive opportunities for Scottish suppliers, businesses and communities across multiple sectors, including forestry, peatland restoration, aggregates and concrete.

The findings emphasise the importance of ensuring local communities feel the benefits, through skilled employment, growing supply chains and targeted investment across the north of Scotland.

SSEN Transmission says the modelling approach mirrors techniques widely used by governments and has been validated by leading economic experts. While acknowledging that major infrastructure programmes can create short-term pressures, the report argues the enduring economic upside is considerable.

Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, said: "Here in Scotland, we're entering a period of unprecedented investment in our electricity transmission network, with significant upgrades planned across the north of the country over the coming decade.

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"Our investment programme represents one of the most substantial developments of the transmission network in its history, providing the infrastructure needed to support a more secure, flexible and low-carbon energy system.

"This report highlights the wider benefits that come with that investment – from supporting jobs and supply chains to helping deliver sustainable economic growth across the communities and regions we serve."

Energy Minister for the UK Government, Michael Shanks, said: "Investment into our electricity grid is creating tens of thousands of good, well-paid jobs in Scotland while growing the economy.

"We are delivering the biggest upgrade in our electricity network for a generation, benefitting the whole country by connecting more homegrown clean power, so we can build energy independence from fossil fuels and lower bills."

Energy Minister for the Scottish Government, Stephen Gethins, said: "Scotland is a global powerhouse in renewable energy, with a strong pipeline of future projects to grow that capacity even further, and strengthen our energy security by decreasing our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

"Transmission infrastructure is key to unlocking the full benefit of the clean, affordable and secure power that Scotland can generate from its own resources, by efficiently connecting with the people and businesses who rely on it every day both in Scotland and beyond.

"I greatly welcome this investment from SSEN Transmission, as well as the wider economic benefit to communities across Scotland from the creation of new jobs and supply chain opportunities for businesses.

"This is exactly the kind of long-term commitment that will help Scotland lead the way to a clean energy future, delivering real benefits for households and businesses while supporting the Scottish Government's ambitions for a just and prosperous transition to net zero."

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "This report demonstrates the significant economic value that investment in our electricity networks is already delivering across Scotland, supporting local jobs and supply chains throughout the country.

"A modern, resilient grid is essential to unlocking Scotland's renewable energy potential and delivering secure, affordable power to homes and businesses. The investment underway by SSEN Transmission is creating opportunities for suppliers right now, while laying the foundations for future growth.

"As Scotland's clean energy economy continues to expand, network infrastructure must keep pace. The grid sits at the heart of the energy transition, helping to bring together the opportunities across renewable generation, ports and manufacturing."

Michelle Ferguson OBE, Director of CBI Scotland, said: "Scotland has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow our energy economy in a way that delivers for Scottish businesses, communities and people. SSEN Transmission's investment programme, backed by serious economic analysis, shows that 24,000 high quality Scottish jobs and a sizeable boost to the UK economy are within reach.

"CBI Economics recent analysis found the UK's net zero economy to be worth £105 billion and supporting 1.1 million jobs. Businesses in Scotland want to be part of that supply chain and a more prosperous future, and this new report makes the case in a way that should cut through in boardrooms and with government."

Beyond the direct impacts, the report argues that transmission upgrades will unlock further private investment in renewable generation, catalysing broader economic activity across Scotland and the UK. As governments pursue energy security and clean power goals, the programme is positioned as vital to connecting new projects and moving lower-cost, homegrown electricity to consumers and industry.

It concludes that there can be no successful energy transition without transmission infrastructure — and no sustainable transition unless the benefits are shared fairly with the communities that host it.