SSEN Transmission has unveiled plans to develop a new £150 million training facility in the north east of Scotland, supporting the next generation of electricity network engineers as the company continues its rapid expansion to deliver the upgrades needed to meet the country’s clean energy ambitions.
The proposed facility in Aberdeenshire would become a dedicated training hub for SSEN Transmission’s workforce and its contractors, providing specialist capability to support the operation, maintenance and development of the high-voltage electricity network.
The plans form part of SSEN Transmission’s £29 billion wider investment programme to strengthen the north of Scotland’s electricity infrastructure.
Headquartered in Perth — with offices in Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow — SSEN Transmission is responsible for the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland.
SSEN Transmission is owned 75% by SSE plc and 25% by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board.
Public consultation events will take place this year to help shape the design of the new facility to help inform the planning application. Subject to all necessary planning approvals, the facility is expected to be delivered in the early 2030s.
“Once operational, the training school would support hundreds of trainees each year, helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers by providing hands-on experience across a range of operational scenarios,” said SSEN Transmission.
“Around 10 permanent roles are expected to be based at the facility, including training, operational and support staff. The roles will be complemented by experienced local engineers and external tutors, helping to deliver a high-quality training programme.
“The new facility will bring additional economic benefits for local businesses including shops, hospitality and other sectors from the activity at the new training centre.
“The north east facility would complement and enhance training provision at the existing Faskally Training Centre in Perth, providing a purpose-built environment tailored specifically to the needs of a modern electricity transmission company. The new site will contain a blend of existing and new technologies and also space where innovation can be tested 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.
“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.”