SSE Renewables’ response to ongoing dry weather spell in Scottish Highlands

As water levels continue to be severely impacted across Scotland, SSE Renewables has issued an advisory notice outlining how the company’s Hydro Operations is following the strictest standards and working closely with key agencies to protect the natural environment at this time.

In a statement, SSE Renewables said:

“Our hydro-electric infrastructure continues to positively support many river flows across Scotland as the dry weather conditions persist, with water levels significantly impacted across the country. Our main priority is to responsibly manage our hydro operations in accordance with our environmental obligations, working closely with key environmental stakeholders such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and NatureScot, while continuing to tackle climate change by delivering zero carbon electricity from our hydro and pumped storage assets.

“In managing our hydro power schemes across Scotland, we take careful consideration of biodiversity to ensure we can face challenges from extended dry weather to minimise negative impacts on aquatic species and habitats. Crucially, our sensitive management of water during this prolonged dry spell is helping to maintain higher flows in many rivers for longer at this time than if hydro schemes weren’t in existence. We are committed to continuing this work with the appropriate environmental agencies to protect biodiversity in catchments we operate in for as long as the dry weather conditions persist, and beyond.”

SSE Renewables always strives to protect and enhance the natural environment to mitigate for any ongoing impacts which may be related to the operations of its hydro fleet. The company does this in line with some of the world’s strictest environmental standards and seeks to not only meet, but also exceed these standards where possible, to deliver biodiversity enhancement.

For more information on how SSE Renewables supports the conservation, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment, read SSE plc’s Sustainability Report 2023, Powering tomorrow the right way.