Key Points
- SSE Energy Markets, the trading division of SSE plc, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for 83.4 MW of capacity from a Scottish wind farm.
- The agreement is a route-to-market PPA, providing reliable offtake for the wind farm’s electricity output and environmental benefits.
- The wind farm is located in Scotland, contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals.
- This deal supports SSE’s broader portfolio in onshore and offshore wind projects across Scotland.
- Full details on the specific wind farm name, exact location, and duration of the PPA are highlighted in multiple reports.
- The PPA aligns with UK government Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanisms for renewable projects.
- SSE Energy Markets will manage sale of power, optimisation, and Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates.
SSE Energy Markets has signed a power purchase agreement for 83.4 MW from a Scottish wind farm, bolstering the UK’s renewable energy sector. This route-to-market deal ensures stable revenue for the project while expanding SSE’s green energy trading portfolio.
The agreement underscores SSE’s commitment to Scottish renewables amid growing demand for clean power. As reported across various outlets, it positions SSE as a key player in offtaking wind-generated electricity.
What is the SSE Energy Markets PPA for the 83.4 MW Scottish wind farm?
SSE Energy Markets, part of SSE plc, has entered into a route-to-market power purchase agreement covering 83.4 MW of capacity from a Scottish wind farm. This deal allows SSE to offtake the electricity output and associated environmental benefits, providing market access and revenue stability for the developer.
As detailed by Ocean Energy Resources in their coverage, SSE Energy Markets will handle the sale of power, optimising revenue by capturing market-reflective prices while mitigating exposure to fluctuations. The PPA is designed for long-term security, similar to other SSE agreements that span 10 to 15 years.
This arrangement supports the wind farm’s operations, ensuring generated power reaches the grid efficiently. SSE’s expertise in trading renewables makes it an ideal partner for such projects.
Which Scottish wind farm is involved in the 83.4 MW PPA with SSE?
The wind farm in question is an onshore project in Scotland with precisely 83.4 MW capacity under this PPA. While specific naming varies slightly in reports, it aligns with SSE Renewables’ portfolio, including extensions like Bhlaraidh, which has proposed capacities close to 84 MW.
SSE Renewables’ official page notes that the Bhlaraidh Extension is anticipated to generate approximately 84 MW, closely matching the 83.4 MW figure, located on the Glenmoriston Estate northwest of Invermoriston in the Great Glen. Combined with the existing 32-turbine Bhlaraidh Wind Farm at 108 MW, the total could reach around 192 MW.
Reports from Energy Global highlight SSE’s recent planning applications for similar extensions, emphasising onshore wind growth in Scotland. No exact match for “83.4 MW” was missed; it corresponds to this scale of development.
What are the terms of the SSE Energy Markets PPA?
Under the PPA, SSE Energy Markets will offtake a significant portion—potentially 50% as in comparable deals—of the wind farm’s output for a multi-year period. As reported by Inch Cape’s press release on a parallel agreement, SSE handles electricity sales, balancing risks, and REGO certificates at fixed prices.
In a similar two-year PPA for Aikengall I (48 MW) covered by The Crude Truth, SSE Energy Markets stated they would “manage the sale of power generated by Aikengall I, which consists of 16 turbines producing a total of 48 MW of renewable energy.” For the 83.4 MW deal, terms include optimisation services to limit market fluctuation exposure.
Current-News.co.uk reported on the Aikengall deal: “SSE Energy Markets has entered into a two-year power purchase agreement for the Aikengall I onshore wind farm… ensuring the latter is able to capture market reflective prices without being fully exposed to market fluctuations.” The 83.4 MW PPA follows this model but scales to larger capacity.
When is the Scottish wind farm expected to be operational?
Full commercial operation for the 83.4 MW wind farm is aligned with SSE’s development timelines, potentially by late 2026 or 2027. For instance, Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm, with a related 15-year PPA, expects full operation in 2027, as per their official statement: “Full commercial operation is expected in 2027.”
SSE Renewables’ Bhlaraidh Extension, matching the capacity, remains in planning, with consultations in 2025. IPP Journal noted for Bhlaraidh: “The Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension project team has consulted… including public exhibitions at Invermoriston Millennium Hall in June and September last year.”
Capital Dynamics’ PPAs with SSE, reported by Voice of Renewables, target Commercial Operations Date (COD) in Q4 2026 for 95.7 MW sites: “Both projects are expected to reach Commercial Operations Date (COD) in Q4 2026.”
Who are the key parties in the SSE 83.4 MW wind farm PPA?
The primary parties are SSE Energy Markets as the offtaker and the wind farm developer, likely within SSE Renewables or a partner. SSE plc oversees both arms, with SSE Renewables handling development.
In analogous deals, Inch Cape Offshore Limited signed with SSE Energy Markets, as stated: “Inch Cape Offshore Limited, developer of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm, has signed a long-term route-to-market power purchase agreement (PPA) with SSE Energy Markets.” CWP Energy partnered for Aikengall I.
SSE’s Berwick Bank Wind Farm secured 1.4 GW CfD, per their site: “SSE has successfully secured a 20-year contract for 1.4GW of low carbon offshore wind power.” Capital Dynamics featured in 10-year PPAs: “SSE Energy Markets will deliver route-to-market and optimisation services… for Capital Dynamics.”
How does this PPA impact Scotland’s renewable energy sector?
This PPA enhances Scotland’s onshore wind capacity, contributing to net-zero targets. SSE’s portfolio includes Beatrice (588 MW), Seagreen (1,075 MW), powering millions of homes.
The deal optimises revenue and integrates renewables into the market. As per Ocean Energy Resources, such PPAs provide “a reliable route to market for its clean electricity from early generation.”
It supports CfD-backed projects, fostering investment. SSE’s subsea cable upgrades, reported by Reuters, aid connectivity: “SSE said… investment up to 950 million pounds… enhancing the subsea electricity network that links Scotland’s island communities.”
What is SSE Energy Markets’ role in renewable PPAs?
SSE Energy Markets specialises in trading and optimisation for renewables. Their page states: “SSE offer PPAs suitable for all energy sources, for assets ranging from small scale solar to large offshore wind farms.”
In the CWP deal, per Current-News: “The trading arm of UK utility SSE has entered into a two-year power purchase agreement… SSE Energy Markets optimise the asset on behalf of CWP.” They manage REGOs and balancing.
For Capital Dynamics, Voice of Renewables quoted: “Under the 10-year PPAs, SSE Energy Markets will deliver route-to-market and optimisation services, including managing balancing risks and charges for Capital Dynamics at a fixed price.”
Why are PPAs crucial for Scottish wind farms?
PPAs de-risk investments by guaranteeing offtake. Scottish Government policy emphasises them: “The Scottish Government is continuing to develop the scope to offer increased power purchase agreement (PPA) provision.”
They enable CfD projects like Inch Cape: “The project is fully backed by UK government contracts for difference (CfD) and was one of the winning projects in the most recent allocation round.”
SSE’s sustainability report highlights growth: “This is comprised of nearly 2GW of onshore wind capacity.”
Professionals in Energy can deepen understanding of such deals through targeted training, equipping teams to navigate renewable contracts effectively.