SSE Energy Solutions says it is 100 per cent committed to the net zero agenda. The company claims it has already been investing almost 拢10m a day as part of its wider plans to invest 拢18b into clean energy infrastructure across the 海角视频 by 2027.
Recently, the business announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to work together on new green energy projects. Its initial plans include the 海角视频鈥檚 first HGV electric vehicle (EV) refuelling hub, a number of public ultra-rapid EV charging hubs, and designs for a 'Future Energy System' in East Birmingham. There are also plans for the creation of modern heat networks, large solar arrays, and the installation of energy storage facilities.
SSE Energy Solutions will be working with the WMCA as well as West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, both of whom are fully invested in the decarbonisation agenda. The relationship is expected to continue to grow over the coming months and years.
Nehal Mehta, director of regions and social value at SSE Energy Solutions says: "If we are to achieve our net zero goals as a nation, we need to work together and engage with people and their communities. Our priority is to focus our efforts on working with local people on local projects. That鈥檚 why we鈥檝e launched a new social value strategy which puts championing a fair and just net zero energy transition right at the heart of our 2030 business goals.
"We want to diversify our workforce, upskill local people and invest in projects that matter to them. We have a responsibility to influence social impacts as we transition out of high-carbon activities and into a net zero world. Evidence also suggests that a diverse workforce serves to increase productivity, improve employee happiness, and boost innovation and creativity."
Challenging inequality is one of the three key objectives of SSE Energy's new strategy but the business claims it's about much more than recruitment, and that becoming a trusted community partner is also one of its key aims. To achieve this, the business will be launching regional hubs across the 海角视频, one of which will be based in the West Midlands. The hubs will drive SSE Energy's engagement with local suppliers and charities, by making donations and in-kind contributions to specific local community projects.
Nehal adds: "Of course, as a country, we also need to reduce our impact on the environment, and we are already working on innovative and impactful renewable energy projects across the 海角视频. We plan to install up to 500 electric vehicle charging hubs by 2030, we鈥檙e aiming to lead the development of heat networks, and we鈥檙e retrofitting businesses with smart energy systems and decarbonising technologies.
"We鈥檝e also committed to cutting carbon intensity by 80 per cent by 2030, sending zero controlled waste to landfills by 2026, and setting a target of 10 per cent biodiversity net gains on all new infrastructure projects by 2025. We expect the same level of commitment from our suppliers and will demand that 50 per cent of our biggest suppliers have a net zero plan in place by 2024.
"If we鈥檙e to deliver a just transition, it's essential we take the communities we work in with us. In the West Midlands, our work has just begun. If a career in renewable energy appeals to you but you鈥檝e suspected you鈥檙e not the right fit, then you might be just the type of person we鈥檙e looking for."
To find out more about SSE Energy Solutions, visit the .
