SSE plans to spend £33bn over five years to help deliver cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy, while supporting economic growth. The programme, called “Transformation for Growth”, will run to 2030 and marks a big step‑up in investment compared with the previous five years. The company says the plan will strengthen its position as a leading low‑carbon energy and infrastructure business in Europe.
Alongside its network focus, SSE is backing a large build‑out of renewables and flexible generation. This includes major offshore and onshore wind projects, hydro power and modern gas‑fired plants that can ramp up quickly when needed. The aim is to increase the amount of low‑carbon electricity on the system while keeping supply reliable during periods of low wind or high demand.
Where the money will go
SSE is directing a significant share of its spending towards new and existing renewable projects. Flagship schemes include work linked to Dogger Bank, expected to be one of the world’s largest offshore wind developments, as well as other offshore and onshore wind farms. The company also highlights large future projects, such as Berwick Bank, as central to its growth plan.
Hydro power and flexible thermal generation form a key part of the package. SSE plans to invest in assets that can respond quickly when renewable output dips, helping to keep the lights on while still cutting emissions over time. Together, these investments are intended to lift the company’s installed low‑carbon capacity to around 9GW towards the end of the decade.
| Area | Focus (without grid detail) |
|---|---|
| Renewables | Offshore wind, onshore wind, hydro projects |
| Flexible generation | Fast‑acting gas‑fired and other flexible plants |
| Corporate growth & scale | Building SSE as a leading low‑carbon energy player |
How SSE will pay for it
SSE will fund the £33bn programme using a mix of business cashflow, borrowing, new shares and asset sales. It expects a large portion of the money to come from cash generated by its operations over the period. The rest will be made up of additional debt and hybrid capital, plus proceeds from targeted disposals.
The company is also raising around £2bn by issuing new shares to investors, as part of a broader financing package. This move caused some short‑term dilution, but markets responded positively when the plan was announced, reflecting confidence in the long‑term growth story. SSE describes the strategy as “transformational”, arguing that it supports both energy transition goals and predictable long‑term returns.
Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive of SSE plc, said: “Today’s transformational investment plan will help build a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy system. Upgrading the UK electricity network offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for accelerated investment that is underpinned by secure UK Government regulatory frameworks. It will unlock much-needed growth across the wider economy and support thousands of jobs over the course of the plan.
“Our focused, disciplined and comprehensively funded investment plan will improve lives, whilst creating sustainable value for our shareholders and society for decades to come.”
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Jobs, communities and affordability
SSE is keen to stress the wider benefits of its strategy beyond pure energy output. The investment programme is expected to support thousands of jobs across construction, engineering and long‑term operations, particularly in regions hosting major projects. That includes opportunities for local suppliers and service companies feeding into the build and maintenance of new assets.
For households and businesses, SSE says its mix of renewables and flexible generation should help bring more homegrown, low‑carbon power onto the system. In turn, that should reduce exposure to volatile global fossil fuel markets and improve energy security. Over time, the company argues, this is essential to creating an energy system that is cleaner, more resilient and ultimately fairer on bills.
