SSE Renewables has been shortlisted for two Scottish Green Energy Awards, including ‘Best Innovation’ for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when monitoring species, and ‘Best Engagement’ for Viking Wind Farm’s Community Engagement Strategy.
The prestigious awards, which are organised by Scottish Renewables, celebrates organisations, people and projects nationally which are going above and beyond to make a real difference to the health, wealth and wellbeing of Scotland.
The ‘Best Innovation’ nomination acknowledges the launch of SSE Renewables partnership with Microsoft, tech firm Avanade and NatureScot to monitor puffin numbers around the Scottish coastline using AI. The technology was tested in 2021 during the seabird’s breeding season on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth. Four cameras were positioned on the island which gathered footage and automatically detected and counted the birds until they left the island.
Since the successful trial, the technology has been used on a number of species recognition projects around SSE Renewables sites including counting salmon in fish passes at four hydro power stations across Scotland.
SSE Renewables is protecting the environment as it continues to invest in low-carbon energy and electricity infrastructure. The introduction of AI has enabled the collection of valuable and accurate data which will ensure the environment is protected.
"It is a privilege to be shortlisted in the ‘Best Innovation’ category at this year’s Green Energy Awards for our use of AI across our sites. The impacts of our hydro and wind farm operations and our transmission and distribution networks need to be actively managed, and the introduction of this cutting-edge technology will enable our teams to monitor species of interest effectively.
Oliver Abell SSE Renewables Head of Digital Ventures
The partnership that we have with Microsoft and Avanade will play a crucial role in protecting the environment as well as enhancing existing and new habitats as we harness natural resources such as water and wind for renewable energy generation"
In addition to being a finalist for the ‘Best Innovation’ award, SSE Renewables Viking Wind Farm’s Community Engagement Strategy has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Engagement’ category due to the work with young people in Shetland.
With young people in Shetland considered a top priority stakeholder for SSE Renewables and the Viking Wind Farm project, a range of activities were developed to take the project and wider renewable energy story to them. This included hosting a total of 29 visits from 15 schools, with 462 students aged 5 to 17 attending the wind farm construction site.
As well as school visits, an interactive online resource was developed with We Are Futures, local teachers and DYW which is free to all schools in Shetland and introduces renewable energy technologies and climate change to 3 to 8 year-olds.
"We are honoured to have been shortlisted for a Scottish Green Energy Award in the Best Engagement Category for our Community Engagement Strategy for Viking Wind Farm. Our engagement with young people in Shetland is something we are proud of and put a huge amount of team effort into. It allowed us to directly hear young people’s views and respond to their needs.
Julie Graham Community Engagement Manager for Viking Warm Farm
This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local head teachers, their staff, UHI SDS and DYW who all played integral roles in establishing partnerships. We hope Viking Wind Farm’s Engagement Strategy inspires for the next generation of Shetlanders to learn more about climate change and the renewable energy industries."
The awards will take place at the EICC in Edinburgh on Thursday 1 December.