SSE has reiterated its more than £17bn clean energy investment plan through 2027 despite a drop in renewables output during the first quarter of its financial year, as the company hailed a series of policy and project milestones.
The company said today that output from its renewable generation portfolio fell by 4% in the three months to 30 June 2025 compared to the same period last year, due to unfavourable weather conditions across April and May.
SSE Renewables generated 2,499GWh of clean power in the quarter, down from 2,596GWh in 2024.
Onshore wind output rose to 1,233GWh from 1,069GWh, while offshore wind dipped slightly to 863GWh from 874GWh. Conventional hydro generation fell sharply to 335GWh from 565GWh, and pumped storage output dropped from 88GWh to 58GWh.
Battery output reached 10GWh, compared to zero in the previous period, reflecting new assets coming online.
Despite the weather-related fall in production, SSE said its renewables operations maintained strong availability and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding clean energy capacity and a £17.5bn investment strategy.
Chief financial officer Barry O’Regan said: “SSE continues to deliver thanks to our resilient and balanced business, coupled with our disciplined approach to capital investment. Positive policy developments are giving us even greater confidence in our ability to create value from our high-quality project pipeline.”
The company highlighted the UK government’s decision not to pursue zonal pricing for wholesale electricity as a welcome boost for the sector, describing it as a signal that reaffirms the UK’s status as a world-leading renewables market.
SSE also welcomed proposals from the government to extend Contracts for Difference (CfD) contracts from 15 to 20 years, following the completion of the AR7 consultation. The company said this would help unlock long-term investment in new projects.
In Scotland, SSE secured consent for its Skye Reinforcement transmission project, a key network upgrade expected to unlock further renewables capacity in the Highlands and Islands.
In Ireland, SSE has taken a final investment decision on the €300m Platin power station in County Meath. The 170MW plant is designed to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) with the potential for hydrogen conversion in the future.
Chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies, speaking at his final AGM before stepping down, said: “We have aligned the Group with an energy transition that is creating value for both shareholders and society. I am proud of all we have achieved over my 12 years as Chief Executive.”
SSE is targeting adjusted earnings per share of between 175p and 200p for 2026/27 and said today its financial guidance remains unchanged.