SSE Renewables powers change with £9.6 million donation for UK and Ireland communities

SSE Renewables has donated around £10 million to community groups across Great Britain and Ireland in 2021/22.

The publication of the company’s annual Community Investment Review was launched today and outlines that a total of £9.6 million in funding was provided to more than 1,048 community projects by SSE Renewables, from beekeeping in County Sligo, to the production of a history book in North Lincolnshire, hosting a Science Festival in Biggar and establishing a community food larder in Brora.

The funds come from a commitment from SSE Renewables to invest in the communities near their offshore and onshore renewable energy developments. The funding decisions are made by local people ensuring that communities have control over how to enhance their local area.

Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables said: “The funding from SSE Renewables is vital to many communities across where our renewable energy assets are, and we are delighted to have been able to provide around £10m in funding support to some fantastic projects.

“It is clear from our Community Investment Review, and the transformational nature of the projects that are being funded, that by working together we can power genuine change. Communities have been growing their ambitions, and our funding and support is helping them to deliver on their aspirations.”

One such project helped a rural community in the Scottish Highlands overcome the lack of affordable housing in their area by building community owned housing to suit the needs of both young families and elderly residents. Twelve families moved into new homes thanks to support from the funds including in Fort Augustus in the Great Glen.

Margaret Davidson, the former leader of Highland Council, said:

“I have seen this project since it was an initial idea through to completion of splendid houses, filled with local people, in a beautiful setting. I am truly delighted at the outcome.”

Through community investment, SSE Renewables was able to support a number of groups of young people across communities with 96 scholarships awarded to local students including in Galway, Tyrone and South Tyneside.

The funds help young people undertake STEM degrees and helped ensure rural areas have skilled professionals. It has also provided donations to five apprenticeship projects including Soirbheas in the Great Glen.

Carol Masheter from Soirbheas said:

“We put a great deal of value on our apprenticeship programme, allowing young people to be employed in our community and the SMEs to develop and thrive.”

In Shetland, SSE Renewables continue with the construction of Viking Energy Wind Farm, which will be the UK’s most productive onshore wind farm when complete. As part of the project, SSE Renewables and Viking Energy Wind farms’ commitment to supporting a diverse range of community projects in Shetland.

The Auld Skule Recycling Unit received funding to help improve their facilities for customers and to support a local carbon future with funding to install a new heating system and the replacement of windows and doors.

Elizabeth Nicolson from the Auld Skule Recycling Unit said: “We are grateful to receive this grant from the Viking Community Fund as it will enable us to upgrade the building with essential work.”

More information on the SSE Renewables Community Fund can be found here.