The firm has pledged to deliver a series of specific outcomes for the region through its £22 billion+ planned programme of investment to upgrade the electricity grid in the north of Scotland, subject to securing the necessary planning consents.

These gains for the Aberdeenshire area include:

• Boosting the economy by up to £820m - with an estimated local spend of up to £1bn in transmission projects across the Aberdeenshire region
• Supporting an estimated 1,140 jobs in Aberdeenshire
• Over 300 new legacy homes over five different development sites in Aberdeenshire, supporting the delivery of affordable and social housing
• Unlocking £32m of community benefit investment through projects in Aberdeenshire.

This initiative follows the firm becoming the first business to sign the Highland Social Value Charter last November.

In December, SSEN Transmission announced the first of its housing projects in Aberdeenshire, in Turriff.

Commenting on this investment in Aberdeenshire’s economy, Paul Cooley, director of onshore capital delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “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.

“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, added: “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.

“These essential upgrades will ultimately benefit businesses and households across the country, securing our region’s position as an energy powerhouse and ensuring our future prosperity.”