ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN), part of Iberdrola’s UK operations, plans to invest over €262 million to enhance and future-proof the UK’s electricity distribution infrastructure. This investment supports the nation’s climate targets and aligns with SPEN’s ED2 business plan (2023–2028), setting the groundwork for the forthcoming regulatory phase (ED3).
SPEN CEO Nicola Connelly stated, “We are set to invest more than £220 million to help deliver the electricity grid and support the workforce of the future.” The funding will be directed through extended contracts with six specialist overhead line partners, covering over 20,000 km of grid across Scotland and North West England. The partners include Aureos, Gaeltec, PLPC in Scotland, and Emerald Power, IES, and Network Plus in England and Wales.
Connelly added, “Ensuring we have the partners, resources and technical skills in place to deliver on our bold and ambitious plans for our network is vital for the modern and resilient grid needed to support the doubling of demand.” The initiative will support over 500 jobs, including more than 50 new linesmen roles, enhancing SPEN’s regional presence and workforce pipeline in energy infrastructure. Partner companies are committing to training, apprenticeships, and local talent recruitment to meet growing grid demands.
Daniel Rodrigues, Managing Director at Gaeltec, expressed, “This is great news for both Gaeltec and our employees, giving certainty looking ahead and creating confidence to grow our investment in our business and our people.” Adrian Rowley of Emerald Power highlighted the significant milestone, noting, “This is an extremely significant milestone… and enables a fantastic opportunity for anyone across the communities we serve to have a very fulfilling and rewarding career.”
Iain Thomson of Aureos stated, “We have invested heavily in recruiting local trainees and will continue to upskill our existing staff while increasing trainee intakes to deliver on SPEN’s investment programme.” Conor O’Neill of IES Utilities Group emphasised, “This extension is a testament to the collaborative efforts and shared commitment between SPEN and IES.”
This long-term infrastructure programme reinforces ScottishPower’s role as a key driver of sustainable energy transformation and local economic development in the UK.
For further reading: [ScottishPower, Siemens Gamesa Seal £1 Billion Deal for UK Offshore Wind Project](https://esgnews.com/scottishpower-siemens-gamesa-seal-1-billion-deal-for-uk-offshore-wind-project/).
