SSE has reported a 60% increase in renewables output in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
In the three months to 30 June 2024 SSE’s onshore wind out reached 1069GWh compared with 715GWh in the same period in 2023, while offshore wind generation reached 874GWh, compared with 496GWh, while hydro generation output also increased.
Total renewables output for the three months to 30 June 2024 reached 2596GWh compared with 1625GWh in the same period in 2023.
In a trading update first quarter performance has been in line with expectations and continues to “demonstrate the strength and stability” provided by SSE’s balanced mix of regulated and market-based businesses that are at the heart of the energy transition.
The increased renewables output reflects a return to more normalised weather conditions over the period, in addition to year-on-year capacity increases.
Financial expectations for individual business units as set out in May therefore remain unchanged, and continue to be subject to weather, market conditions and plant availability across the key winter months to come.
Other updates for the period include progress made on Shetland, with first power generated at the 443MW Viking onshore wind farm ahead of full energisation of both the wind farm and SSEN Transmission’s HVDC link to the mainland expected in the coming weeks.
The final turbine has been installed at the 101MW Yellow River onshore array, with project on track for commercial operations early in 2025.
Construction progressing on the 1.2GW Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm with 27 turbines either fully or partly installed and the project continues to target full commercial operations during the first half of 2025.
Enabling works continuing at pace on SSEN Transmission’s Eastern Green Link 2 between Peterhead and Drax while HVDC cable supply contracts have been agreed with NKT on projects in Aberdeenshire and the Western Isles.
In addition, highlighting the opportunities available beyond the current investment plan, SSE has confirmed that it will proceed with development of the 2GW Alpha offshore wind tender site (SSE share 50%) in the IJmuiden Ver Wind Farm Zone in the Netherlands.
SSE’s chief financial officer Barry O’Regan said: “We have made a solid start to the financial year as we convert our premium project pipeline into high-quality sustainable earnings.
“We remain on track to meet our 2027 growth targets that are underpinned by world-class assets and balance sheet strength, with two-thirds of revenue either regulated or already backed by existing government policy.
“The outlook is supported by the enhanced clean power target of the new UK government which recognises the essential need for investment in renewables, flexible power and electricity networks – areas where SSE has unrivalled capability and significant growth potential.”