Friday 4 December 2020
SSE backs net zero as major partner for COP26
SSE is among the first Principal Partners to the UK Government and will work with government and other stakeholders to support the delivery of a successful and impactful COP next November.
The news comes as SSE continues to deliver its £7.5bn investment programme, leading the way in developing the low-carbon assets and infrastructure required for the UK to reach its target of net zero emissions by 2050.
SSE Business Energy is perfectly placed to support the net zero ambitions of businesses and public sector organisations, by making it easy and affordable to access SSE’s renewable power. SSE Business Energy is also working to offer customers a greater choice of low-carbon solutions, building on its tools to help save and optimise energy usage.
Nikki Flanders, MD, SSE Energy Customer Solutions, said: “The transition to a net zero economy will stimulate innovation and new business models, providing customers with a greater choice of low carbon solutions.
“Investment in net zero will create thousands of jobs across the entire spectrum from innovation to generation to advice and operational services.
“It’s a hugely exciting time where new technologies will emerge, exponentially changing our energy-related experiences.”
SSE is investing £4m a day in low-carbon energy and electricity infrastructure over the next five years, including building the world’s largest offshore windfarm in Dogger Bank, off the coast of Yorkshire, Scotland’s largest offshore windfarm in Seagreen off the coast of Angus, and one of Europe’s most productive onshore windfarms in Viking on the Shetland Islands.
It is currently leading development of more offshore wind than any other company in the world.
The COP26 announcement also comes off the back of SSE officially joining the ‘Race to Zero’ campaign and committing to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
This target sits alongside a relevant Science Based Target, which covers Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions and puts its operations in line with the ambition to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.
SSE has also confirmed ambitious plans, alongside fellow COP26 sponsors National Grid and Scottish Power, to develop a multi-billion pound underwater super-highway that will see the North Sea become the hidden powerhouse of Europe, supporting the UK supply chain and delivering hundreds of green jobs throughout construction and operation.
Transitioning to a low-carbon economy will be crucial as the UK strives for a green recovery following coronavirus. COP26 is an opportunity for governments around the globe to facilitate net zero through policy advances and industry collaboration.
COP26 will take place 1-12 November 2021 in Glasgow. You can find out more at ukcop26.org.
