SSE Renewables And Partners Win Scottish Green Energy Award for Innovation

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when monitoring puffins and salmon has won the ‘Best Innovation’ category at this year’s Scottish Renewables, Scottish Green Energy Awards.

The partnership between SSE Renewables, Microsoft, Avanade and NatureScot was launched last year. The AI technology was initially tested to monitor puffin numbers around the Scottish coastline and since the successful trial, AI technology has been used on a number of species recognition projects across SSE Renewables sites.

The AI technology consists of cameras that gathers footage and automatically detect and count the species being monitored which enables the collection of valuable and accurate data, ensuring the environment is protected.



Ollie Abell accepted the award on behalf of the team at the Scottish Green Energy Awards in Edinburgh on Thursday 1 December.

“This award is well deserved recognition for the innovative partnership formed with Microsoft, Avanade and NatureScot. The level of species data we’re getting from the use of AI technology compared to traditional methods is unfathomable and it is truly groundbreaking, so we’re honoured to have won.

This is a world first in terms of actual environmental monitoring and the use of artificial intelligence is growing across the company. The aim is to truly understand whether the actions we’re taking to mitigate the impacts we have on local environments, are as successful as we would like them to be and we have worked with a number of our internal experts across our operations and environment teams to optimise the technology. We’re excited to continue this partnership with Microsoft, Avanade and NatureScot, and look forward to working with them on future opportunities.”

OLIVER ABELL
SSE RENEWABLES HEAD OF DIGITAL VENTURES
“As we emerge from COP27 there is a renewed focus on tackling climate change, but it is a challenge we can only succeed in if we work together. This award is testament to the commitment shown by all parties to accelerate the journey to net zero, the vital importance of transitioning to renewable energies and the role AI can play in making this journey a success. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing our work together to achieve a cleaner, greener future for the UK.”

MUSIDORA JORGENSEN
CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER, MICROSOFT UK
“We are so pleased for SSE and proud to have been part of this story. From its early inception it was clear that the project would be pushing the boundaries of what had been done before in this area. We knew that this had the potential to not only change the way puffins were being monitored but also to bring innovation into the field of environmental conservation in a way that would go on to benefit many different areas. We are continuing to work with SSE to roll this approach out to monitor other species of birds as well as fish, such as salmon. We are excited to see where else this technology, and others, can continue to help us and our clients do what matters.”

SIMON TURNER
CTO, AVANADE UKI
“At NatureScot we see huge potential for harnessing the power of new technologies to advance our understanding of Scotland’s precious species and habitats and help our work to protect and restore nature. This project is an excellent example of partnership working using innovative tech to shed more light on our internationally important seabird populations, and we’re delighted to share this award with SSE, Microsoft and Avanade. There are exciting possibilities for future development, and we look forward to continuing this work with the partnership.”

CATHY TILBROOK
NATURESCOT HEAD OF SUSTAINABLE COASTS AND SEAS
SSE and Microsoft signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), establishing a Sustainability Partnership between the companies, to develop and deploy innovation projects aligned to the zero carbon emissions ambition of both companies.

Initially focussed on SSE’s renewable energy business, the MOU represents SSE and Microsoft’s’ commitment to working together on several future initiatives, with the aspiration that opportunities could be adopted across SSE’s other business areas.

Together, the companies will collaborate to promote the awareness of business challenges and opportunities around sustainability, technology, and digital innovation.