SSE reinforces leadership in community investment funding with 2026 plans

At least £20 million will be invested across Scottish Communities through Renewables and Transmission community funds.

SSE will continue to play a leading role in community investment across Scotland in 2026, building on a landmark moment in 2025 when the company marked over £80 million distributed to Scottish communities through renewable energy funds over the last two decades. 

This ongoing support reflects SSE’s commitment to ensuring that the shift to clean, secure and home-grown energy delivers lasting benefits for the places that host its infrastructure. 

In 2026, SSE expects to invest at least £20 million directly into Scottish communities through its SSEN Transmission and SSE Renewables businesses, including the launch of the £3.2 million Argyll and Kintyre Fund—the first SSEN Transmission initiative aligned with UK Government guidance on community benefit for transmission infrastructure. Further transmission funds are expected to be developed during the year in response to community-identified priorities, building on 2025 awards such as support from SSEN Transmission’s Regional Community Benefit Fund, which helped fund projects including Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Skills Hub, Scotland’s first dedicated facility for energy transition training. 

£11.5 million will be distributed through a range of renewables funding programmes including the Hydro Community Fund, which has already allocated £2.5 million since its launch two years ago, and has now opened its third round. The fund has supported projects that enhance local facilities, develop skills, strengthen wellbeing and deliver wider community benefits, and communities are encouraged to apply for support during 2026. 

Meanwhile, the Highland Development Fund continues to progress, with this year’s £1 million round focused on housing and capacity-building in the Highlands. Applications have now closed, and successful recipients will be confirmed in the coming months. The fund is part of SSE Renewables’ wider approach to supporting energy-hosting communities and ensuring investment decisions align with local ambition and need. 

Morven Smith, Head of Community Investment at SSE, said: 

“SSE’s community funds across Scotland have helped deliver homes, skills programmes, community hubs, heritage projects, environmental improvements and much more, reflecting the breadth of support that communities across Scotland need to prosper. The impact of this investment is visible in every region we operate in, and its value continues to grow as new projects take shape.  

“As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to ensuring that our funding continues to back local priorities and deliver benefits that last. We encourage communities and organisations to engage with our funds and help shape the projects that will make a real difference locally.” 

Other projects expected to benefit in 2026 include a sustainable energy initiative for community buildings being developed by Helmsdale and District Community Council, along with other local projects focused on priorities such as housing, skills, environmental improvements and community-led development.