SSE plc

SSE plc: renewable generation and electricity networks in the UK and Ireland

SSE plc presents itself as one of the leading generators of renewable and flexible energy in the Great Britain and Ireland markets, and as one of the world's fastest-growing electricity network companies. Its activities span offshore and onshore wind generation, hydro, electricity transmission and distribution networks, power stations, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, solar and batteries, as well as energy products and services for businesses and other customers.

The company frames its purpose around making electricity clean, affordable and available for all, and its strategy is to create value for shareholders and society by investing in, developing, building and operating the electricity infrastructure and businesses needed for the energy transition.

A £33bn investment programme

SSE describes a fully-funded five-year £33bn investment programme aimed at transforming the UK's electricity infrastructure and delivering long-term benefits for society. The company says it invests around a daily amount in infrastructure, although the specific figure does not appear in full in the available material.

Projects cited include the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, which the company presents as the world's largest; the East Coast Transmission project, aimed at the next generation of electricity networks; and Keadby 3 Carbon Capture, which they describe as the UK's first carbon capture and storage power station. The company also says it creates 1,000 jobs every year and is working towards a just transition.

Business areas and technologies

The site details the following business lines and technologies:

• SSE Renewables: renewable generation, including offshore wind, onshore wind, hydro, solar and battery storage.
• SSE Thermal: thermal generation, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen.
• SSEN Transmission: electricity transmission networks.
• SSEN Distribution: electricity distribution networks.
• SSE Energy Solutions: energy products and services for businesses and other customers.
• SSE Airtricity: energy supply in Ireland.
• SSE Energy Markets: energy markets.

Presence and markets

The company operates in the Great Britain and Ireland markets. Its activities extend across the UK and Ireland, where it employs direct staff and supports indirect jobs, according to the data it publishes. The material also mentions a record community investment of £24.9m across the UK and Ireland, supporting nearly 1,300 projects.

Financing and investors

SSE plc is listed and publishes information for investors, including annual results, analyst presentations, financial calendar, dividend information and shareholder services. The company has issued green bonds, including an A$1bn (£520m) issuance in the Australian market, called Green "Kangaroo" Bonds, as part of its global financing strategy. It also has a sustainable financing framework and participates in programmes such as the EMTN and ADRs.

Sustainability and social commitment

The company states its commitment to being operationally net zero by 2050 and has set four business goals for 2030 aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Its vision, as stated, is to be a leading energy company in a net zero world, with sustainability as a core value. The material also mentions youth employment programmes, such as the First Chance programme, and inclusion and diversity policies, with reports on the UK gender and ethnicity pay gap.

Employment and career development

SSE offers career opportunities in the UK and Ireland, with flexible working arrangements and benefits. Its areas of expertise include engineering and technical, IT and digital, corporate, inclusion, and early career programmes such as apprenticeships, trainees and graduate development.