SSE ups renewables output

SSE generated 6.8TWh of electricity from renewable sources in the nine months to 31 December, up from 5.6TWh in the same period last year.

The power came from conventional and pumped hydro, onshore and offshore wind and biomass, the company said in a trading statement covering up to the end of the third quarter of the financial year.

SSE said it spent more than £200m on new onshore wind farms during the period.

It said that, despite the closure of the renewables obligation for new onshore wind farms in March this year, because of government grace periods it will still construct about 400MW under the RO – subject to the passage of legislation.

However, the 240MW Stonelairg and 133MW Strathy South onshore wind proposals have “significant uncertainties associated with their development timelines”.

SSE is appealing, together with the Scottish government, a Court of Session decision from December to quash consent for Stonelairg. Strathy South is going through a public enquiry process and currently does not have a final planning decision. This means the project may not qualify for the RO.

The company also has a 40% interest in the Beatrice offshore wind farm and said a final investment decision is expected in March.

SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said: “Market conditions continue to be challenging. Nevertheless, SSE remains a resilient and diverse business, with a strong commitment to operational efficiency and delivering value.”