A “whole” new way of thinking
Andrew Urquhart, Head of Whole System at SSEN Transmission explains our innovative approach to “whole system” solutions and how it’s enabling us to deliver a collaborative and efficient Network for Net Zero in the north of Scotland.
Conventionally, the energy industry works in isolated elements, and this isolated approach is enshrined in the industry’s longstanding structures, regulations and ways of working. But getting to Net Zero isn’t going to happen unless we disrupt these norms. New technologies are driving new ways of producing and consuming energy, the urgency to decarbonise is gathering pace, and how we generate and distribute that energy in a just and efficient way is continuously evolving. It’s clear that the industry needs to adapt, and adapt quickly, to meet societies’ low carbon needs.
At SSEN Transmission we recognise this challenge and acknowledge the need to move away from these traditional silos, taking a whole system approach to tackling issues and working collaboratively.
The north of Scotland presents its own unique challenges from a whole system perspective – there’s no other network area quite like it in GB; spanning over ¼ of the UK’s landmass and designed to connect both remote communities and remote renewable generators. This unique set of characteristics brings specific challenges but also huge opportunities - the North of Scotland is poised to contribute around 10% of the emissions abatement required to meet the UK’s net zero target, highlighting the importance of taking a joined-up approach to deliver resilience and unlock society’s collective decarbonisation goals.
We published our Whole System Strategy in 2019, which aims to optimise the development, delivery, construction, operation and maintenance of our network, by working across traditional boundaries to deliver benefit to our communities, customers and stakeholders. But we can’t do this alone and the foundations of the strategy sit firmly on three key building blocks:
- Engaging stakeholders to gain a common understanding of the desired outcomes;
- Working collaboratively to identify and assess possible solutions;
- Supporting innovation to improve outcomes for GB society.
Since 2019, this strategy has been embedded in our business’ strategic ambitions, and as we deliver a network for net zero, connecting our share of the (up to) 25GW awarded in the latest ScotWind leasing round and helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s 8-12GW onshore wind target by 2030, it will remain the cornerstone for unlocking a coordinated, resilient and efficient low carbon future for the stakeholders and communities we serve.
We’ve published our Whole System Annual Report for 2022, which provides a snapshot of our progress to date in delivering a whole system approach as we invest in the north of Scotland Transmission network. You can read the document here. For us, whole system is about creating value, from our commitment to deliver a customer value proposition of £350 million, to providing timely cost-effective whole system solutions to ensure national net zero emissions are met. And delivering this value wouldn’t be possible without vital support and feedback from our customers and stakeholders who lead and shape our key areas of focus as a business.
As we implement our whole system strategy, we’d welcome your views on our progress to date, and suggestions for things we could do better to deliver an innovative, collaborative and efficient network for net zero in the North of Scotland.
You can read our Whole System Annual Report and share your views here via our brand new and accessible Whole System hub.