“The launch of the Strategic Investment Fund marks a significant step forward in community benefit funding across the north of Scotland.” – Peter Peacock, Independent Chair of the Regional Community Benefit Fund
SSEN Transmission is launching a new fund with its aim to support large-scale strategic projects. The organisation say that this will boost skills and employability and help tackle fuel poverty across the north of Scotland.
The new Strategic Investment Fund will invest up to £10m over the next two years and forms part of SSEN Transmission’s existing Regional Community Benefit Fund, which has already delivered £4m to communities in the region.
Together, the Strategic Investment Fund and Regional Community Benefit Fund will provide at least £12m over the next two years, representing the largest community funding package ever delivered by the electricity transmission network operator.
Alongside local funds for communities hosting new transmission infrastructure, this forms part of an anticipated £100m+ in community benefit funding linked to SSEN Transmission’s £29bn investment to upgrade the grid, supporting energy security, economic growth and creating lasting opportunities for communities.
Strategic Investment Fund to deliver lasting impact
Up to £10m will be made available through the Strategic Investment Fund over the next two years, with an initial £5m funding round launching on Thursday, 17 September.
This will focus on larger-scale, multi-partner projects that help alleviate fuel poverty and improve skills and employability, delivering lasting benefits for communities across the north of Scotland.
Organisations can apply for grants of between £1m and £5m through the initial Strategic Investment Fund funding round. A further £5m is expected to be made available through a second round of funding in 2027, giving organisations the opportunity to develop longer-term proposals and partnerships.
Regional Community Benefit Fund opens for third round of applications
Meanwhile, organisations can apply for support through the third round of the Regional Community Benefit Fund.
Applications are welcomed from suitable initiatives across SSEN Transmission’s operating area, spanning communities in Argyll and Tayside, the North East, the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
Scottish Government Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said:
“Scotland’s energy resources are valuable assets and we are committed to ensuring communities share in the benefits of the energy transition. Alongside jobs and investment, it is important that communities have a meaningful role in shaping how these opportunities contribute to their long-term needs and aspirations.
“This funding will support communities across the north of Scotland to deliver projects that reflect their priorities, helping to create a lasting legacy for local areas.”
A total of £2m is available through the third funding round, with organisations able to apply for grants of between £40,000 and £500,000 between now and 24 November for projects that deliver against one or more of three core themes:
- Skills and employability: Support employment, apprenticeships and skills development.
- Heritage and culture: Celebrate shared heritage and strengthen community identity through arts, language and music.
- Alleviating fuel poverty: Improve home energy efficiency and support those most at risk of fuel poverty.
Awards are expected to be made in spring 2027. Further information about the third round of the Regional Community Benefit Fund and the Strategic Investment Fund is available below:
Peter Peacock, Independent Chair of the Regional Community Benefit Fund, said:
“The launch of the Strategic Investment Fund marks a significant step forward in community benefit funding across the north of Scotland.
“By making up to £10 million available over the next two years, the fund creates an opportunity to support ambitious, collaborative projects that can deliver lasting benefits at a scale not previously possible through our funding programmes.
“Whether it’s helping people develop new skills, improving access to employment opportunities, or supporting initiatives that tackle fuel poverty, we’re looking for projects that can make a meaningful difference to communities across the region.
“The Strategic Investment Fund builds on the strong foundations established by the Regional Community Benefit Fund. Together, the two funds represent at least £12 million of investment over the next two years, creating an unprecedented opportunity for organisations to deliver positive, long-term change.”
In March 2025 the UK government introduced guidance setting out the level of funding areas near to new or significantly upgraded transmission infrastructure should be awarded, to pay for projects identified by communities.