SSE Renewables has officially opened its new onshore wind, solar, and battery control centre at its headquarters in Perth, Scotland, marking a significant step in the company's expansion of renewable energy operations. The new facility will enhance the management of its growing portfolio of onshore wind, solar, and battery projects, which reached nearly 2.5GW in capacity in 2024.
The opening follows the completion of two major projects: the 443MW Viking Wind Farm in Shetland and a 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Salisbury, both of which entered commercial operation last year. SSE Renewables' operating portfolio has also contributed £62 million in community benefit funding across Britain, with £58 million of that amount directed to projects in Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney, who opened the facility, emphasized the importance of SSE's investment in the region. “SSE's new onshore renewable energy control centre in Perth will play a critical role in helping Scotland meet our shared renewable energy and climate ambitions,” Swinney said. He also noted the significant progress SSE has made in advancing a cleaner energy system, stressing the Scottish government's commitment to supporting the energy transition.
SSE's Director of Onshore Wind, Solar, and Battery, Heather Donald, highlighted the strategic importance of the new control centre. “As the UK races to a homegrown energy system anchored in clean green renewable power, our investment in this vital operational centre ensures Scotland, with its incredible wind resource, will remain at the heart of the energy transition for decades to come,” Donald said.
The new control centre is part of SSE Renewables' broader plans to manage over 800MW of onshore renewable energy currently under construction in the UK and Ireland. The company views the facility as a key investment to support the efficient operation of both current and future renewable energy projects.
