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Grid opportunities

Scotland is at the heart of the UK’s unprecedented grid transformation, one of Europe’s largest electricity network upgrade programmes. This transformation is moving at pace and now is the time to secure your place on the journey. 

Rapid growth in offshore wind, electrification, energy storage and new electricity demand is driving unprecedented multi-decade investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure. £77 billion of transmission investment is already planned across the UK between 2026 and 2031, and Scotland is expected to host around 25-33% of this new infrastructure.

Combined with Scotland's 40GW+ potential offshore wind project pipeline, this is creating significant opportunities for companies providing grid equipment, engineering services, digital technologies and network solutions. 

Did you know?

Scotland is making great strides towards its target of net zero emissions by 2045, and upgrading and expanding the grid is critical to achieving this. A modern, resilient grid will connect renewable energy generation, support growing electricity demand from the electrification of heat, transport and industry, and ensure long-term energy security. 

  • We’ve got the experience

    We’re well-versed in delivering complex, regulated infrastructure and we’ve got specialist skills embedded in: 

    • Cross-network operators 
    • Engineering consultancies 
    • OEMs (original equipment manufacturers)
    • Academia  
    • National test facilities 

  • We've got the talent

    Access Scotland’s engineering, manufacturing and energy-sector talent:

    • An experienced workforce of 154,000 people working in engineering and manufacturing
    • 69,000 people working in the energy sector
    • 19 universities and a strong college network producing STEM talent 

  • A land of opportunity

    Scotland is at the centre of one of Europe's largest grid modernisation programmes, creating long-term demand for grid equipment, technologies and services.

    With unprecedented investment planned across transmission and distribution networks, businesses can access market opportunities across the grid value chain.

Our power networks’ transformation 

We’ve got big ambitions when it comes to the grid. Scotland is due to host 25-33% of the UK’s new transmission infrastructure, offering a practical and scalable base close to major projects, network operators and supply chains.

There’s growing demand for transformers, high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, switchgear, cables and related grid equipment. So, it’s a perfect time to position your business close to emerging, high-demand customers from energy-intensive industries, such as data centres. 

No transition without transmission 

Future UK asset demand includes:

  • 10,000 – 15,000 additional high-voltage transmission pylons  
  • Approximately 80-120 new/substantially expanded transmission substations 
  • 1000 – 1500 new primary distribution substations 

Scotland is likely to host around a third of this new infrastructure, reflecting a central role in offshore wind integration, HVDC interconnection and north-south power. 61% of all grid and primary transformers in the UK are over 50 years old – so there are plenty of opportunities for upgrading. (Source: Energy Networks Association: Transformer Care | ENA Innovation Portal)

RIIO-3 (2026-2031) provides current transmission opportunities, while ED3 (2028-2033) and similar programmes will offer emerging distribution investment markets moving forward. 

We are home to the Shetland HVDC Link – it is the first project of its kind outside China with 8GW+ HVDC interconnection capacity and the equivalent to powering around 9 million homes.

Be part of a multi-decade investment pipeline 

Beyond the current transmission programme, a further £37-50 billion of distribution investment is planned between 2028 and 2033. While an estimated £89 billion will be invested in the next generation of grid upgrades beyond 2030, creating long-term opportunities across the grid value chain.

Scotland offers you

  • Proximity to customers and projects

    Locate close to transmission reinforcements, offshore wind developments, HVDC links and industrial demand.

  • Delivery certainty

    Improve responsiveness and create regional capacity in a market affected by equipment constraints and long lead times.

  • Routes to market

    Engage with the UK’s transmission and distribution network operators and their procurement partners.

  • Innovation

    Develop, test and validate technologies through specialist grid and HVDC facilities.

  • A platform for growth

    Access long-term UK and European grid market opportunities from a stable and reliable Scottish base.

A supportive environment

Scotland’s home to two transmission network operators: SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) and SPEN (Scottish Power Energy Networks). Together, with the National Grid, they’re working on grid upgrade plans across the UK that have been approved for 2026-2031, so you can tap into long-term and regulated programmes with clear procurement pathways.  

In addition to the growth within offshore wind, electrification and storage, data centres are projected to reach around 9% of UK electricity demand by 2030 – driving new connections, substations and reinforcement. There will be major demand for transformers, substations, HVDC systems, switchgear, cables, towers and grid technologies.  

The Scottish and UK governments work closely together on policy and regulation of the network. What’s more, you’ll be able to access clear procurement pathways for UK grid-upgrade programmes.  

We back this up with a pipeline of talent and centres of excellence: 

  • National HVDC Centre provides simulation, replica testing, commissioning support and skills development for HVDC schemes connecting to the UK grid
  • PNDC (Power Networks Demonstration Centre) offers a reconfigurable test network, where companies can validate distribution-grid and power technologies under realistic conditions
  • Energy Systems Catapult provides whole-system modelling, network optimisation and flexibility-market expertise
  • Energy Technology Partnership connects companies with energy researchers and academic capability across Scotland
  • SPEERI (Scottish Partnership in Energy and Engineering Research and Innovation) ensures that Scotland remains a globally competitive driving force in energy and engineering research and innovation by focusing, raising the profile of Scottish energy and engineering research
  • The National Advanced Semiconductor Packaging and Integration Centre is focused on accelerating the development and commercialisation of advanced semiconductor technologies 

Scotland’s small size is one of our advantages: to complement our existing talent base working in the energy and engineering sectors, our well-connected education system is working alongside industry to fast-track training and apprenticeships for a delivery-ready workforce.  

We’ll work with you to ensure your team in Scotland has the right skills at the right time, connecting you to training and education bodies, recruitment and training support and partnership programmes. 

With long-term investment, strong industrial capability and a growing pipeline of projects, Scotland is an ideal base from which to serve UK and European demand for grid infrastructure, technologies and services.

How we can help you to invest in Scotland

With more than 30 offices globally, our international team is dedicated to helping you establish and grow your business in Scotland. 

We'll help your business invest in Scotland's grid sector. This includes support with property searches, visit programmes, financial support, access to talent, and all the right connections. 

Find out more  

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