SSE is to treble its renewables output by 2030, with an aspiration to add 1GW a year of new clean power capacity by the second half of the decade.
The company said it has already pledged to spend £7.5bn – £4m every day – to 2025.
Its commitment follows the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 10-point plan to build back greener and attract private sector investment in decarbonisation.
SSE expects to reach financial close in the coming days on the 3.6GW Dogger Bank offshore wind complex, which it is a 50:50 joint venture partner on with Equinor.
It added that there has also been strong progress on its other flagship projects, the 1075MW Seagreen offshore wind farm, of which SSE’s share is 49%, and the 443MW Viking onshore wind farm in Shetland, including the transmission link that will connect it to the mainland.
These projects alone have created 1000 new skilled, green jobs, SSE said.
SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies (pictured) said: “Today is an important day, not just for us as we publish our results and our low-carbon investment plans, but for anyone who supports the effort to tackle climate change as the Prime Minister sets out his welcome 10-point plan to build back greener.
“As we seek a recovery from the effects of Coronavirus, investments in low-carbon infrastructure that help stimulate the economy, boost jobs and level up regions while tackling climate change are a win-win.
“We’ve led from the front on the green recovery, creating over 1000 jobs through our low-carbon projects and with more to come as we support efforts to build back greener. And with clear policy signals from government and the regulator, we can do more.
“We have a portfolio of options that are second to none and a strong balance sheet that supports our plans to develop, own and operate the infrastructure that is so badly needed to build a better world of energy.”
SSE said that in the six months to 30 September operating profit fell 15% versus the same period a year earlier to £418.3m, while reported operating profit increased 183% to £985.1m, reflecting proceeds from SSE’s disposals programme.
It said Coronavirus impacts on its business are in line with expectations and are anticipated to be towards the middle of the £150m-£250m range, which it outlined in June.
SSE said it has not furloughed any employees or drawn down on any government support, and has continued to support the safe and reliable supply of electricity to those who depend upon it.