SSEN Transmission’s Network Development: Ewan Rabey MRICS Spotlight

Investing in clean energy and energy security

SSEN Transmission is driving innovation and sustainability through investment into advanced systems and infrastructure that support clean energy and energy security needs. That means tripling the network size and to transport clean power to well over 10 million homes and businesses by 2030, critical for the delivery of Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power targets.

This is infrastructure development and investment on a huge scale, and for Ewan and SSEN Transmission, it also equates to a significant legacy of improvement in all areas impacted during construction.

Benefitting communities

5,000 workers delivering these upgrades will need homes in rural areas by 2027. By helping to fund new homes, as well as bringing unused properties into use for housing, SSEN Transmission’s housing strategy sets out ambitious plans to create 1,000 new homes in the north of Scotland for local use, including social housing and affordable homes.

‘Bringing micro benefits to communities has always been important to SSEN Transmission, but with the scale of investment we’re now working with, we’re able to take a much bigger view of how we make a difference,’ explains Ewan.

Those benefits are present, and still significant, with recent SSEN Transmission investments ranging from £1,000 to over £20,000 going to community funds such as Perth Floral Art Club, Perth and Kinross Disability Sport, and Peterhead Sea Cadets Unit.

Industry growth and impact

Individuals and organisations in the built environment industry also stand to see huge benefits from this mass investment. In October 2026, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) published its Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan, with a core focus on confident supply chains. ‘Across the industry, various groups are coming together to ensure we’re successful in seizing the opportunity for growth in the sector,’ explains Ewan. ‘Part of that is building confidence in our supply chains, reassuring them that they are safe to invest in their people and their production because this work is here for them. Early engagement is key to that.’

As a powerful example, in October, Sumitomo Electric opened a £350 million subsea cable factory at Nigg, creating more than 200 skilled local jobs and strengthening capability to deliver the infrastructure needed for the energy transition. That opening was made possible by plans for the Shetland 2 HVDC connection – the anchor project supporting the investment.

With continued collaboration and greater certainty around future grid investment, planning decisions and the long-term pathway for Scotland’s renewable ambitions, there is potential to attract even more investment, skills and jobs to communities across Scotland and the UK.

The opportunity for surveyors

Jobs and opportunities are plentiful throughout the supply chain, but also within SSEN Transmission and the wider energy sector. Ewan understands for many surveyors, making the switch into energy can feel intimidating. ‘I worked at Balfour Beatty for 11 years, working as a QS on school, hospital and hotel developments. I took the opportunity to move to SSEN and it was daunting at times. I understand the perception that it’s too complex, too intangible, and I think that holds people back from making the move. The reality is that there are so many transferable skills.’

‘Doing my APC and gaining my professional qualification with RICS while I was at Balfour Beatty really helped to give me the breadth of competence and experience I needed when I moved into energy. I’d like other surveyors to understand that there are big opportunities in the sector, and I hope they feel confident that their skills are valuable, needed, and transferable.

‘But it’s not just surveyors. From graduates to experienced professionals of various disciplines, there are opportunities for everyone at SSEN Transmission. This is a really exciting time to join, develop skills and grow in your career.’

The right investment, at the right time

Wind power is a major driver of SSEN Transmission’s network investment, an important detail as Ewan considers the significance of the work at hand. ‘Developing clean energy is absolutely the right thing to do,’ he says. ‘Energy security is important, too. In a complex geopolitical environment, for me it’s a no brainer. This work gives us much more security over our energy. We want that confidence that we can keep the lights on.’

Making a difference

The scale and scope of SSEN Transmission’s network investment is vast, and engaging a confident, empowered supply chain is a significant responsibility. For Ewan, though, this is balanced by the huge benefits he’s able to create for communities, individuals, and businesses. ‘The highlight for me is just knowing that we’re making a difference and giving people opportunities. We try and do the right thing.’