SSEN Transmission has launched a new Strategic Investment Fund to back large-scale projects that strengthen skills and employability and tackle fuel poverty across the north of Scotland, as part of a commitment to deliver at least £12m to communities over the next two years.

The Strategic Investment Fund will make up to £10m available over two years and sits alongside the company's established Regional Community Benefit Fund, which has already awarded £4m. Together, the two funds represent the largest community funding package yet from an electricity transmission network operator.

An initial £5m Strategic Investment Fund round will open on Thursday 17 September, targeting multi-partner projects that alleviate fuel poverty and improve skills and employability, with grants between £1m and £5m. A second £5m round is expected in 2027, giving organisations time to develop long-term proposals and partnerships.

At the same time, the third round of the Regional Community Benefit Fund opens today (Tuesday 8 September). A total of £2m is available, with applications invited until 24 November for grants between £40,000 and £500,000. Eligible projects must operate within SSEN Transmission's licence area — including Argyll and Tayside, the North East, the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles — and address one or more of three themes: skills and employability; heritage and culture; and alleviating fuel poverty.

The programmes complement local community funds for areas hosting new transmission infrastructure and form part of an anticipated £100m+ in community benefit funding linked to SSEN Transmission's £29bn grid upgrade, aimed at bolstering energy security, supporting economic growth and creating lasting local opportunities. Awards for the current Regional Community Benefit Fund round are expected in spring 2027.

Peter Peacock, Independent Chair of the Regional Community Benefit Fund, said: "The launch of the Strategic Investment Fund marks a significant step forward in community benefit funding across the north of Scotland.

"By making up to £10 million available over the next two years, the fund creates an opportunity to support ambitious, collaborative projects that can deliver lasting benefits at a scale not previously possible through our funding programmes.

"Whether it's helping people develop new skills, improving access to employment opportunities, or supporting initiatives that tackle fuel poverty, we're looking for projects that can make a meaningful difference to communities across the region.

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"The Strategic Investment Fund builds on the strong foundations established by the Regional Community Benefit Fund. Together, the two funds represent at least £12 million of investment over the next two years, creating an unprecedented opportunity for organisations to deliver positive, long-term change."

In March 2025 the UK Government introduced guidance setting out funding levels for areas near new or significantly upgraded transmission infrastructure, enabling communities to identify and deliver local projects.

UK Government Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: "We're determined to make sure that communities benefit from hosting vital transmission infrastructure. That's why this government introduced industry-wide guidance, setting out the amount of funding those areas should receive.

"Our guidance puts power into communities' hands by ensuring the money is spent on projects close to the hearts of those living in the area."

Scottish Government Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: "Scotland's energy resources are valuable assets and we are committed to ensuring communities share in the benefits of the energy transition. Alongside jobs and investment, it is important that communities have a meaningful role in shaping how these opportunities contribute to their long-term needs and aspirations.

"This funding will support communities across the north of Scotland to deliver projects that reflect their priorities, helping to create a lasting legacy for local areas."

SSEN Transmission's Director of Customers and Stakeholders, Christianna Logan, added: "As we deliver our £29 billion investment programme, building the electricity network needed for the future, we're also committed to creating long-term value for communities across the north of Scotland.

"The Strategic Investment Fund demonstrates our ambition to deliver community benefit funding that reflects the scale of investment taking place across the region, supporting larger projects that will accelerate meaningful, long-term benefits for local communities.

"Together with the established Regional Community Benefit Fund, at least £12 million will be made available over the next two years as part of an anticipated community benefit package of more than £100 million. That investment will support projects that help tackle fuel poverty, improve skills and employability, and create lasting opportunities for communities.

"By working with communities and partners, we can ensure the benefits of the energy transition are felt not only through greater energy security and economic growth, but also through a lasting legacy for generations to come."

Comments from previous Regional Community Benefit Fund recipients include:

Aberdeen Cyrenians — £149,362 award. Donna Hutchison, CEO, said: "The Northeast is experiencing one of the most significant periods of economic change in its history. While that creates exciting opportunities, it can also create uncertainty for individuals and families. Support from SSEN Transmission's Community Benefit Fund is helping NorthBridge ensure that people are not left behind as our region transitions and grows.

"Through tailored employability and wellbeing support, we are helping people build confidence, develop new skills, and access sustainable employment opportunities. This investment is about creating pathways to economic stability for individuals while supporting a fairer, more inclusive future for communities across the Northeast of Scotland."

Changeworks — £169,666 award. Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive, said: "SSEN Transmission's Regional Community Benefit Fund supports us to deliver our Warmer, Greener Park Home Communities project. This helps fuel-poor park home communities, giving them the advice and resources they need to live in affordably warm homes.

"It's crucial that these communities get targeted support, as park home residents often face inefficient housing and unregulated energy supplies. The funding means we can run the project for two years, which gives us the time to develop stronger community capacity. As a result, we're envisaging significant and long-lasting benefits for the park home communities we're working with."

Islands Book Trust — £141,000 award. John Randall, Chairman, said: "The Islands Book Trust are most grateful for the award from the SSEN Transmission Regional Community Benefit Fund. This will enable us to establish a Scottish Islands Heritage & Skills Network, including a digital platform which aims to provide services for smaller heritage groups based in island communities throughout Scotland."