The company has worked with Glasgow City Council and the University of Strathclyde over the past twelve months to help deliver Glasgow’s Energy Master plan, which aimed at identifying how the city can contribute to tackling climate change by delivering major carbon emission reductions.
As a result of this research, SSE has produced a low carbon technology city plan identifying the most suitable locations for low carbon technology solutions. Through studies specifically on the Renewables and Energy Management Reports, SSE reveals a number of UK projects.
The projects include the potential creation of a biogas network within the city, using its own waste streams as a fuel, which will help Glasgow achieve its sustainable ambitions.
This is expected to bring considerable benefits to the wider economy through new business opportunities and potential for hundreds of jobs within Glasgow. SSE already employs over one thousand people in Greater Glasgow in a range of energy sector roles.
The company also revealed the launch of an energy tariff, which will be available later this year. This product will reward and financially incentivise Glaswegians who reduce their own home’s energy usage, and help them take action in their management of household energy use by offering them help and advice on how to reduce consumption.
SSE plans to regenerate communities in Glasgow through its not for profit Scottish Hydro Community Interest Company, set up specifically to focus directly on carbon reduction and other sustainable energy projects in the city.
These include energy efficiency, fuel poverty programmes, community volunteering and charitable work. Revenue generated from the new sustainable tariff, when launched, will be added to SSE’s GBP15m CESP and CERT investment already earmarked for future sustainable projects, prioritising the low income and vulnerable homes.
Jim McPhillimy, group services director of SSE, said: “SSE is proud to be part of Glasgow’s visionary transformation into one of Europe’s most sustainable cities. We want to help make sure Glasgow’s sustainability credentials are fully recognised at a national and international level and we are well placed to partner Glasgow City Council in realising that ambition.”
He added: “Our purpose is to provide the energy people need in a reliable and sustainable way, and our core values include sustainability – a value we share with Glasgow. We look forward to being part of this exciting future for the city because we believe ‘Sustainable Glasgow’ will bring real environmental, economic and social benefits within a very short period of time. We are delighted to play a full part in helping realise this ambition.”
