ScottishPower (SP) Energy Networks has awarded supply chain contracts as part of a £1.4bn ($1.9bn) investment in critical onshore transmission projects across central and southern Scotland, UK.

This initiative supports the UK government's Clean Power 2030 mission, forming part of a £5.4bn supplier investment programme over the next decade to advance the region's grid.

The contracts cover various infrastructure, including new and upgraded high-voltage substations, overhead line construction, and engineering works. The partnerships will initially run for five years, extendable to ten, providing long-term certainty for suppliers.

The contracts aim to build long-term partnerships with UK businesses to rewire the national electricity network, unlocking more capacity for new homes, businesses, and clean energy projects.

SP Energy Networks CEO Nicola Connelly, alongside UK energy minister Michael Shanks, announced the contracts in Glasgow, Scotland.

Connelly stated: “These strategic partnerships give suppliers the confidence to invest in themselves - growing their workforce, opening new offices across the country and creating even greater opportunities for the UK. This is great news for the UK and Scottish supply chains, with every pound spent directly benefiting central and southern Scotland and its infrastructure for decades to come.”

Notably, 17 out of the 19 suppliers are based in the UK, stated SP Energy Networks.

Construction company Morgan Sindall Infrastructure is the sole contractor for the Denny to Wishaw network upgrade project.

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Energy managing director Peter Kirk said: “Projects like the Denny to Wishaw Network Optimisation will improve resilience and energy security, boost capacity to meet future demand, and connect Scotland to greener, renewable energy.”