SSE has launched a new £10 million hydro community benefit fund, aimed at supporting projects within areas that host its existing hydro power infrastructure across Scotland.
The introduction of the new fund highlights SSE Renewables' ongoing commitment to sustaining its hydro heritage and supporting local communities.
It follows the 80th anniversary of the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Act of 1943, which enabled the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board (NoSHEB) to transform the way people lived and worked through the construction of 54 power stations, 78 dams and over 300km of underground tunnels.
SSE Renewables recently commissioned a report by Biggar Economics which found that the capital investment in hydro over the 80-year period since 1943 is £7.5 billion, supporting over 10,000 jobs annually in Scotland including 5,519 in the Highlands and Islands.
The new Hydro Community Fund will see investment in local communities continue, with SSE Renewables having consulted with community council areas to establish key priorities.
Priorities include improvements to sustainable community transport, affordable housing, growth of small businesses and social enterprises, improvement of community assets and infrastructure, and a focus on community physical and mental well-being through community arts, culture, sports and recreation.
To ensure effective management and fair distribution of the funds, an independent decision-making panel has been established, made up of local people across the region.
The panel, which comprises a diverse group of nine community representatives and a representative from SSE Renewables, will be chaired by Felix Spittal. The Hydro Community Fund will operate with two funding rounds per year, with the panel meeting biannually to review applications.
Felix Spittal, Hydro Community Fund Chair, said:
"I am delighted to be appointed as the Chair of the Hydro Fund. This position is an excellent opportunity to work with fellow panel members and SSE Renewables to ensure the fund delivers the greatest possible impact for communities."
"Access to this new fund will enable communities to deliver projects with significant benefits for their area, so I'm looking forward to seeing the proposals they bring forward."
Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro, SSE Renewables, said:
"We are proud to be the custodians of hydro power's rich history and heritage, and the launch of this fund is testament to our ongoing commitment to the communities hosting our existing hydro infrastructure."
"We are committed to continuing our investment in hydro, as highlighted by our recent £50 million refurbishment of Tummel Bridge Power Station and ongoing work to progress our pumped storage project at Coire Glas."
"Hydro will play a critical role in the net zero transition, and this fund provides a significant opportunity for communities to deliver projects that bring long-lasting benefits locally. We look forward to supporting initiatives that will positively impact hydro communities across Scotland."
For further information about the Hydro Community Fund and how to apply, please visit https://www.sserenewables.com/communities/community-fund-locations/great-britain/hydro-community-fund/.
For more information on SSE Renewables' hydro schemes, visit sserenewables.com/hydro.
