Energy giant SSE has provided further evidence of how dependent renewables output is on weather conditions as it prepares to post bumper profits.
The Perth-based group said the amount of renewable electricity it generated increased by 44% in the six months to September 30 compared with the same period last year.
It said the improved performance reflected weather conditions during the period.
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SSE reaped the benefit of wet and windy conditions related to a shift in the jet stream, which put a dampener on the holiday season.
It operates windfarms off Scotland and onshore along with hydroelectric plants.
The volatility of the assets’ output underlines the scale of the challenge facing the new Labour Government, which aims to make Britain a clean energy superpower with zero carbon electricity by 2030.
This will require ministers to secure a big increase in generating capacity. Just as important will be the need to ensure that the country makes the most of the capacity that is in place already.
As renewables output depends on weather conditions, windfarms and the like may generate most power at times of low demand and vice versa.
To solve the problem will require hefty investment in the infrastructure needed to store renewable energy for use when required and to link generating facilities in remote areas with centres of demand.
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SSE plans to respond to the first challenge by developing a huge pumped storage hydropower plant in the Highlands.
The Coire Glas facility would use electricity generated at times of low demand to pump water from Loch Lochy to a reservoir to be built in the hills above. The water could be released to power turbines housed in a cavern when demand increases.
The costs would be huge, with SSE expecting to invest around £1.5 billion.
SSE has spent £100m on preparatory work. Before committing to a full development, the group wants the Government to agree a support mechanism which will guarantee the price it receives for its output.
The Conservative Government announced a consultation on the subject before the general election left things up in the air.
A big question for Labour ministers will be how to ensure that the costs of developing storage systems and networks are shared fairly.
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The bills related to the support provided for the development of windfarms under the Contracts for Difference subsidy scheme are passed on to householders.
In its trading update SSE noted that it won backing for developments in the CFD allocation round completed by the new Government.
The group also wants to develop a new gas fired power station at Peterhead but is facing opposition from campaigners. The plant could provide power when weather conditions are unsuitable for renewables.
SSE is on course for another very profitable year. It expects to generate first half earnings per share of more than 45p. That compares with 37p in the first half of the year to March 31. The group made £2.4bn profit in that year.
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