Accelerated investment in transmission infrastructure is essential for net zero in Scotland by 2045. Why? Read more in this blog by Lauren Logan, Head of Transmission Regulation and Policy.
On 1st April 2026 we marked a significant milestone for our transmission business with the start of RIIO-T3, our next business plan investment period known as a “price control” by our regulator Ofgem. This 5-year investment period, from 2026 to 2031 is crucial in the mission to Clean Power 2030 and a more sustainable future for us all.
During this time, we are investing an unprecedented £12 billion to upgrade and transform the electricity transmission network across Central and Southern Scotland.
Why do we need to do this? Much of the network was built in the middle of the last century, with the Energy Networks Association (ENA) recently noting that 2026 marks 100 years since the UK established a national Central Electricity Board! So, times are changing – now at a faster pace than ever before - and we need to move the electricity grid forward so it's more efficient and resilient in the future.
We also need to upgrade and expand so that the network can cope with the increased generation and demand as electricity powers more and more aspects of our daily lives, from heating and lighting to devices and cars.
Our investment isn’t just about infrastructure. By investing in our network, we will create 1,400 jobs directly, contribute £2 billion to UK GDP, deliver over £150 million of community benefit funding and give a £5.4billion boost to our supply chain. Our investment will also reduce bill impacts by £167 per household by 2030 following an initial increase of £6.47 due to reduction in transmission network constraint costs. Watch our explainer video on ‘constraint costs’ to find out more about what this means.
Noting this, we were pleased to welcome the recent publication from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), an independent statutory body.
“The CCC is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008. Their purpose is to advise the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and to report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.”
The CCC recently published a report to Scottish Government which advises them on how to meet the legislated 2045 net zero targets – with accelerated transmission networks being essential:
- Significant progress has been made due to carbon emission reduction in energy supply and the enabling networks.
- Scotland’s Green House Gas emissions are 51.3% lower than 1990 levels
- with Scotland seeing 93% of clean power from wind and solar in 2023.
The ambition is clear however ambition is not enough and to keep pace this needs to be backed by timely, effective policy & implementation. The CCC advise: “Scotland will need to continue its strong progress in rolling out renewable electricity generation and ensure development of electricity networks can keep pace. The Scottish Government should act to accelerate planning and consenting for transmission infrastructure to achieve this”
The CCC recommends the Scottish Government & UK Government work together on critical areas with shared objectives including enhancing planning resources across local authorities and key statutory consultees & developing a National Planning Framework & National Marine Plan to improve clarity reducing consenting risk and support a centralised approach to network development. CCC also note than storage & demand flexibility which utilises electrification of heat and transport can alleviate ‘transmission constraints’.
Time is tight and action is needed now to decarbonise the wider economy and other sectors:
- Transport is Scotland’s highest emitting sector - although progress has been made in deployment of EVs & charging points more needs to be deployed notably there’s policy gaps in decarbonising aviation
- Buildings- reduce emissions in decarbonising heat & energy efficiency
- & woodland and peatland – CCC advice includes tree planting being sustained as well as peatland restoration
Additionally, the CCC, following the public interest in the cost of transitioning to a low carbon economy reported that achieving Net Zero was found to be a more cost-effective path for the UK economy than continued reliance on fossil fuels, bringing a net benefit to society. Nigel Topping CMG, Chair of the CCC added: “In light of current events, it’s more important than ever for the UK to move away from being reliant on volatile foreign fossil fuels, to clean, domestic, less wasteful energy”.
Getting to Net Zero by 2045 won’t be without challenge, we’ve welcome the CCC’s report and recommendation to Scottish Government and look forward to working together to accelerate transmission investment. Last year we published how our RIIO-T3 Business Plan is set to meet Clean Power 2030 targets – this once in a century upgrade has required a transformation in our business and supply chain, more outages than ever before and reforming the connections queue.
We look forward to continuing working with key stakeholders in RIIO-T3 and beyond to meet this challenge. Thank you to every member of the RIIO-T3 team and SPEN for developing and delivering our business plan.
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If you have any enquiries, please contact riio-t3pmo@spenergynetworks.co.uk.
