The funding will accelerate the deployment of capital to enhance seven key transmission grid projects, enabling the integration of more renewable energy into the grid, reducing congestion, and lowering electricity costs for both businesses and consumers. These upgrades are vital for meeting the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which aims to transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
ScottishPower's Eastern Green Link (EGL) projects 1 and 4, which are receiving significant support from NWF, will help expand the UK's capacity to transport renewable energy. These projects aim to connect Scotland’s renewable energy sources to the North-East of England and Norfolk, facilitating the efficient distribution of surplus clean energy to areas with higher demand. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has identified EGL1 as a critical project for achieving the UK’s 2030 clean power goals, as it will help alleviate congestion costs and improve the redistribution of renewable energy.
The investment will also fund grid upgrades in five locations across Scotland, including the construction of new substations, reconfiguration of overhead lines, and improvements to transmission cables to increase capacity and system resilience.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, praised the investment, highlighting the benefits for businesses, households, and the economy: “Upgrading our energy infrastructure is good news for businesses, households, and the economy. It will bring down bills, put more money in working people’s pockets, and enable businesses to expand.” This aligns with the government's long-term economic growth strategy and commitment to becoming a clean energy superpower.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband also welcomed the investment, noting its role in supporting the government’s 2030 clean power objectives: “This investment will help to deliver clean power by 2030 by speeding up grid upgrades – bringing cheaper, homegrown renewable power into homes and businesses, while supporting skilled jobs across the country.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray emphasized the importance of the investment for Scotland, positioning the country as a leader in the UK’s clean energy transition: “By expanding grid capacity through these crucial infrastructure projects, we’re not only addressing one of our biggest barriers to decarbonisation but positioning Scotland as a powerhouse of Britain's clean energy revolution.”
The NWF’s investment is also integral to Iberdrola’s broader plans to invest £24 billion in the UK’s electricity network and renewable infrastructure by 2028. This funding will help accelerate the nation’s transition to a renewable energy-based electricity system, ensuring the UK remains on track to meet its clean power targets.
John Flint, CEO of NWF, emphasized the significance of this investment, saying: “Upgrading the power grid is one of the most significant barriers to decarbonising our economy… Our financing will support vital grid upgrades that will have a major impact on the transition to a renewables-based electricity system.”
This commitment from NWF and ScottishPower marks a key milestone in the UK’s transition to clean energy, with substantial long-term benefits for both the economy and the environment.
