SSE boosted renewable energy generation in 2015-16 on the back of wetter and windier weather across its UK and Irish markets.
The utility posted 9695GWh of green electricity in the fiscal year, compared with 8656GWh in the prior period, despite a small drop in its overall renewables portfolio.
Onshore wind output was up in Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic. Offshore, traditional and pump storage hydro were also all up.
“The primary driver for this differential was the weather: put simply there was more rainfall and windier conditions,” said SSE.
The utility is on track to complete three Scottish wind farms under the RO – 94MW Dunmaglass, 172.8MW Cyde 2 and 108MW Bhlaraidh – and is building the 174MW Galway Wind Park, 35MW Tievenameenta and will soon kick off at the 19MW Slieve Divena 2 in Ireland.
A final investment decision is due this month on the 588MW Beatrice offshore wind farm in Scotland.
Operating profits in generation and energy management were £436m for the year, up from £433m in 2014-15.
In networks, SSE is progressing the £1.1bn Caithness-Moray link with work progressing on cables and subsea installation to start in 2017.
Ongoing uncertainty over island wind projects continues to impact proposed interconnectors.
The utility said it will submit paperwork to Ofgem in support of new links to the Scottish islands “later this year, if circumstances allow”.
Overall SSE posted a pre-tax profit of £1.51bn, down slightly from £1.56bn in the previous year.
Image: Keadby wind farm (SSE)
Wind, rain boost SSE books
Onshore, offshore and network investment continues across UK, Ireland
By EBS