SSE Renewables' story
Since 2008, SSE Renewables has supported over 8,000 community projects with grants of £67m. In 2021/22 alone, community funds in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland delivered over £9.6m in grants to community projects, helping over 1,048 not-for-profit organisations realise their ambitions.
Slieve Kirk Wind Park is the largest wind farm in Northern Ireland. It can generate 73.5MW of clean, green energy to power almost 65,000 homes. Through this the Slieve Kirk Community Fund, SSE Renewables makes over £170,000 per year available for local projects promoting energy efficiency and social sustainability.
The funds support a variety of projects, including:
- Community Development: projects to strengthen the ability of local groups to meet their own needs.
- Energy Efficiency: projects delivering reduced energy consumption through energy efficiency.
- Sustainability: projects driving community centred environmental and/or social sustainability interest.
- Safety: project will enhancing the safety for members of the community.
Useful learnings from SSE Renewables
The community funds are based around achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). When planning how the funds are allocated, each project's aims and impacts are plotted against these goals to ensure the money is put to the best use.
During the COVID pandemic, funds were diverted and made available more quickly to support those working with the most vulnerable and isolated people. Being agile is crucial, particularly when working in a crisis.
SSE Renewables' metrics
Amount of grant funding awarded.
Number of community organisations supported.
