US engineering and technology company Jacobs, including its PA Consulting business, has been awarded positions on Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' operational technology cybersecurity and digital services frameworks, with a combined potential value exceeding US$1 billion (approximately €840 million), as the UK energy sector accelerates digitisation of its grid infrastructure.

The awards, reported by Jacobs, span cybersecurity, substation design and AI-enabled digital services aimed at strengthening grid resilience and supporting greater renewable energy integration.

Bob Pragada, Chair and CEO of Jacobs, said: "These awards reflect the accelerating digitisation of energy systems and the growing need for integrated cybersecurity, digital and engineering solutions. As grid infrastructure becomes more interconnected and data-driven, embedding cybersecurity across IT and operational technology environments is essential to supporting grid expansion."

Under the operational technology framework, Jacobs will support the design, deployment and ongoing assurance of secure operational technology environments across substations, embedding cyber-by-design principles, network segmentation and real-time threat monitoring alongside core infrastructure and control systems.

Through the digital services framework, Jacobs will apply AI-enabled data solutions to drive more efficient operations across SSEN's network, supporting its RIIO-T3 transformation programme covering energy transition plans in the north of Scotland. The work will enhance asset management, support decarbonisation and establish a scalable digital backbone for the transmission network.

The engagement brings together Jacobs' Energy and Power, Programme Advisory, and Digital and Data teams alongside PA Consulting, delivering an integrated model across the full infrastructure lifecycle. Jacobs employs more than 6,000 people across the UK, operating from 15 core offices and over 35 additional sites.

The company reports approximately US$12 billion (approximately €10.1 billion) in annual revenue and a global workforce of approximately 47,000 people spanning energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water sectors.

Access the full announcement for further detail on Jacobs' SSEN frameworks and UK energy digital transformation strategy in the full story.