Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks yesterday said at least £2.2 billion is required to upgrade its network to make Scotland ready for net zero emissions.
The Perth firm has published ambitious plans for the future of its north of Scotland electricity transmission system.
It includes a one third reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions, £100 million in efficiency savings from innovation and 100% network reliability for homes and businesses.
Rob McDonald, managing director for SSEN Transmission, said the plans were a blueprint for continued investment in the flexible, safe and secure, low carbon electricity network needed to help decarbonise the economy.
He said: “Our network already supports over 6GW of clean power but continued investment in the electricity transmission system is key to unlocking the further potential the North of Scotland can play in meeting Governments’ targets for net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our Network for Net Zero proposal is a balanced package that makes a powerful case for the vital investment needed to deliver the clean energy transition, reflecting the ambition our stakeholders have told us they want to see, at an affordable cost to consumers, whilst also providing a fair return to investors.”
SSEN Transmission will now consult further with stakeholders ahead of submitting a final plan to Ofgem in December as part of its RIIO T2 price control process.
As part of Ofgem’s consideration of the final plan, the regulator will consult with stakeholders during 2020 before determining what level of investment should be taken forward from 2021 through to 2026.
In the draft Plan, SSEN Transmission’s ‘Certain View’ sets out that a minimum investment of £2.2bn is required over the five-year period to maintain and grow the north of Scotland transmission network to meet the needs of current and future electricity generators and customers.