SSE PLC : SSE sets peak renewable generation record

SSE sets peak renewable generation record

28 Jan 2013

Few welcomed the high winds and heavy rain that lashed the country at the turn of the year but SSE made the most of the conditions as it exceeded the 2GW barrier for peak production of renewable electricity for the first time.

Based on real-time use of generation capacity of its wind farms and hydro stations in Great Britain, the feat was first achieved on 28 December 2012 when a peak of 2.07GW was recorded, including over 1GW from onshore wind farms alone. Helped by continued wind and rain in the north of Scotland, where the majority of SSE's renewable assets are located, the threshold was broken again on 29 December 2012 and 1January 2013.

At the point of peak production on 28 December 2012, over 80% of all SSE's renewable generation capacity in GB (2,452 MW) was being used to export power to the electricity network. Taking other generation sources such as gas and coal into account, this also represented just under half of SSE's total simultaneous generation at this time.

It was also one of the highest periods of renewable electricity output to homes and businesses (which is measured in gigawatt hours). Between 28 December 2012 and 4 January 2013, SSE generated over 261GWh from renewable sources - enough to power over 3 million homes*.

SSE is the largest generator from renewable sources in Great Britain and Ireland, owning 3,208MW of renewable capacity. It has increased this capacity significantly in the last 12 months, following the completion of the Griffin, Clyde and Greater Gabbard wind farms and the restart of generation at its Glendoe hydro-electric scheme.

Peter Donaldson, Director of Renewable Generation, said: "Although we're famous in this country for grumbling about wet and windy weather, it does have its benefits in producing an efficient source of fuel-free, sustainable energy.

"Naturally, these figures are just a snapshot and should be treated as such, but they do point to the growing role of renewables as a secure, indigenous power source and are testament to SSE's commitment to renewables as a significant part of its diverse generation portfolio."

* Based on an average weekly household electricity consumption of 63.46 kWh [3,300 kWh/52] seasonally adjusted by 25% to 79.32 kWh [4,125 kWh/52]