SSE reaffirms commitment to science-based climate action following SBTi revalidation

SSE has become one of the first utility companies to successfully complete the five-year revalidation of its near-term climate targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This confirms its targets continue to meet the SBTi’s criteria and are aligned with the latest climate science. 

SSE has revalidated the following science-based targets across its operations and value chain: 

• Reduce scope 1 emissions from power generation by 80% per MWh*, equivalent to a 72.5% absolute reduction, by 2030/31 from a 2017/18 base year.

• Reduce absolute scope 2 emissions by 57% by 2030/31 from a 2017/18 base year.

• Commit that 90% of suppliers by spend covering purchased goods and services, will have science-based targets by 2030/31.

• Reduce absolute scope 3 emissions from use of sold products covering distributing fossil fuels by 67.2% by 2033/34 from a 2017/18 base year**.

Under the revalidated targets, SSE remains focused on making the electricity it generates cleaner, reducing emissions from its operations, strengthening supplier engagement, and supporting emissions reductions across its value chain. 

SSE is committed to delivering clean power at pace. Through its £33bn investment programme to 2030, the company is building the electricity infrastructure needed to accelerate electrification, unlock homegrown clean energy and strengthen energy security. 

Since setting these targets, SSE has made good progress, however, the transition will not be linear. External factors, from policy and markets conditions, continue to shape the pace and pathway of change. SSE will continue to report transparently on progress and challenges, while advocating for the conditions needed to deliver the clean energy transition.  

Rhian Kelly, Chief Sustainability Officer at SSE, said:

"The revalidation of our near-term science-based targets is an important milestone, reinforcing our focus on reducing emissions while we provide the practical solutions needed for a clean power system. As the UK and Ireland continue to transition towards clean, homegrown energy, SSE is investing billions of pounds in the infrastructure needed to make electricity clean, affordable, and available for all.” 

Notes

*Scope 1 Target: SSE’s official scope 1 target, as validated by SBTi Services, is a commitment to reduce scope 1 GHG emissions from power generation by 78.3% per MWh by 2030/31 from a 2017/18 base year. However, for continuity, SSE will continue to report against its ambition of 80% per MWh reduction in its disclosures. 

**Scope 3 Sold Products Target: SSE welcomes the successful revalidation of its near-term science-based targets and remains committed to transparent, credible climate action. As part of the revalidation process for its full set of near-term targets, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) criteria required SSE to bring its specific target to reduce emissions from gas sold into alignment with 1.5°C, which requires a 67.2% reduction by 2033/34. However, a reduction at this pace is highly dependent on external factors, such as the pace of heat electrification, enabling policy, and regulatory frameworks, which are projected to prohibit SSE from achieving the necessary pace of reduction. In discussions with SBTi, SSE highlighted that the only potential pathway or lever within SSE’s control to achieve a reduction in emissions from gas sold beyond its existing well-below 2°C target (50%) would involve divestment of the supply business, subject to overcoming regulatory and practical barriers. As a responsible business SSE is committed to optimising the reduction of these emissions but intends to retain the supply business so will continue to pursue and report progress against its targets, while supporting the decarbonisation of heat and advocating for the policy and market conditions required to enable a just and affordable transition.