SSE Renewables generates benefits for people and their communities as the firm invests in the Highlands and Islands
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SSE Renewables has been continuing to invest in the Highlands and Islands to ensure that communities are supported towards net zero, young people are looked after and employment opportunities are available to all.
Home to the widest spread of SSE Renewables’ community funds, the Highlands and Islands region hosts 13 developments that provide community benefit, including two hydro schemes.
Approximately £67 million will be invested through SSE Renewables, local community funds in Highlands local authority area, and £35 million through the Sustainable Development Fund over their lifetime.
In 2021/22, the focus for the local funds was ensuring communities continued to thrive after the pandemic.
Many projects which were delayed due to pandemic restrictions have now become operational and we have identified a trend in projects which support wellbeing.
It is evident that many communities are becoming more ambitious and developing substantive projects to support community needs for generations, especially in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis.
A recent report has shown the progressive impact that SSE Renewables community investment has had within the Highlands and Islands region.
Stephen Wheeler (pictured), managing director of SSE Renewables, said: “SSE Renewables is unique in the way it has built long-standing relationships with the communities where we operate our assets.
“The principle of sharing the economic value of renewables projects with local communities is one which we have been committed to since 2008.
“Our current funds are worth over £310 million to local communities but this is just the tip of the iceberg, as we commit to delivering 50TWh of clean energy we also commit to significantly increasing the overall value of our community funds.
“Our funds provide communities with an important source of funding which is being used to help transform the social capital of local places, many of which are in very rural locations.
“It is clear from this report, and the transformational nature of the projects that are being funded, that it’s not only the renewables industry which has grown.
“Communities have been growing their ambitions, and our funding and support is helping them to deliver on their aspirations.”
