SSEN Transmission has announced plans to develop a new £150 million state-of-the-art training facility in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, aimed at building the skilled workforce required to support the country’s clean energy transition and the expansion of its high-voltage electricity transmission network.

The proposed training hub will provide specialist training for both SSEN Transmission employees and contractors, helping to develop the expertise needed to operate, maintain and expand the electricity infrastructure required to deliver Scotland’s low-carbon energy ambitions.

The project forms part of SSEN Transmission’s wider £29 billion investment programme to strengthen the north of Scotland’s electricity network. The company said the investment reflects the rapid growth of its business, which has expanded five-fold over the past five years as it accelerates critical grid upgrades to support a secure and decarbonised energy system.

Located in Aberdeenshire, a region with a long-established engineering heritage and a growing role in the energy transition, the facility is expected to become a dedicated centre for technical training and innovation. Public consultation events are scheduled to take place later this year to help shape the design of the project ahead of a planning application. Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, the facility is expected to be operational in the early 2030s.

Once completed, the training centre is expected to support hundreds of trainees annually, providing practical experience across a range of operational scenarios associated with modern electricity transmission networks. Around 10 permanent positions are expected to be based at the site, including training, operational and support roles, alongside experienced local engineers and external tutors who will contribute to the delivery of training programmes.

The new hub will complement SSEN Transmission’s existing Faskally Training Centre in Perth, offering a purpose-built environment tailored to the needs of a modern transmission operator. The facility will incorporate both existing and emerging technologies, as well as dedicated space for testing and demonstrating innovations before deployment on the network.

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, described the project as a significant investment in the future of the north east of the country, highlighting its role in developing the specialist skills needed to build, operate and maintain the high-voltage electricity network of the future. He also noted that the region’s long-standing technical expertise in the energy sector would continue to play a central role in Scotland’s clean power ambitions.

Dave McKay, Network Director at SSEN Transmission, said developing the workforce needed to deliver, operate and maintain a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system is critical. He added that the new facility will support a just transition by helping workers currently employed in high-carbon industries acquire skills for low-carbon careers, while also creating opportunities for new entrants and future generations of energy professionals.

The company expects the development to generate wider economic benefits for the local area through increased activity for businesses in sectors including retail and hospitality. Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leaders Stewart Adams and Anne Stirling welcomed the investment, describing it as an important contribution to workforce development and a strong endorsement of the region’s role in the UK’s energy transition.

Industry leaders also highlighted the strategic importance of the project. Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, pointed to Scotland’s growing opportunities in offshore wind, tidal energy, pumped hydro, hydrogen and other low-carbon technologies. He said investments in skills and training would be essential to support the grid infrastructure needed to transport clean electricity from generation sites to consumers.

The announcement follows SSEN Transmission’s commitment, unveiled in November last year, to recruit 600 “earn as you learn” positions by 2030 as part of its broader workforce expansion plans. The company said the new training facility will play a key role in ensuring it has the skilled personnel required to deliver Scotland’s clean power infrastructure for decades to come.