SSEN Transmission seeks public views over community benefit scheme which will include Caithness
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A POWER giant is seeking public views over plans for its first ever community benefit scheme – with Caithness and the Great Glen among those areas earmarked for the cash.
SSEN Transmission has launched a consultation to seek views on plans for its new scheme, which it says will see it working with communities "across the north of Scotland to channel funds into vital local projects".
The move comes off the back of a major renewables drive in the region, with the north of Scotland transmission network set to provide around 10 per cent of the total carbon reduction required in the UK to deliver 2050 net zero targets.
The company is looking to work with the energy regulator, Ofgem, to agree a Community Benefit Fund associated with net zero transmission infrastructure projects which have been approved by Ofgem, have an investment value of £100m or more and for which construction already commenced or will commence between now and 2026.
The fund will see over £10m being spent on delivering "a sustainable and positive legacy for communities hosting large net zero infrastructure assets in the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Orkney, Shetland, Angus and Argyll".
Eligible projects include the Shetland Link (which would result in eligible communities in Shetland and Caithness) and upgrade between Fort Augustus and Invergarry.
Input from local community members will play a vital role in establishing how investments in community projects will be made. Anyone interested in taking part can do so between July 3 and August 13, by visiting the dedicated community fund webpage at www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/information-centre/Community-Benefit-Fund.
SSEN Transmission’s managing director, Rob McDonald, said: “Launching a consultation on our first fund in the north of Scotland and recognising the vital role that communities in the region are already playing by hosting critical national infrastructure, is a really big step in the right direction.
"The initial £10m+ will have a lasting positive economic impact and we’re excited to be working with communities and other stakeholders in the region to make sure that investment is made wisely.”
