SSE Renewables has donated £5,000 to the Scottish Seabird Centre’s Covid-19 appeal.  The funds will help the marine conservation and education charity steer its way through the serious impact that Covid-19 restrictions continue to have on its financial position and ability to deliver the breadth of its activities.

Based in North Berwick, the Centre and SSE Renewables, (headquartered in Perth) are in conversation about how to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on the marine environment and the significant contribution that marine offshore renewables, sited appropriately, can play in mitigating these impacts.

The Scottish Seabird Centre’s vision is of a healthy marine environment, rich with wildlife.. As such, the charity plays an important role in communicating the scientific evidence and knowledge about the pressures on our seas, and lets people know about the actions that individuals and businesses can take in response.

Recently, SSE Renewables brought forward proposals for the up to 2.3GW Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm which would become one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms if developed.

Located 54km off the East Lothian coastline in the outer Firth of Forth, Berwick Bank would comprise of up to 242 offshore wind turbines. The project is being developed by SSE Renewables alongside plans for its neighbouring Marr Bank Offshore Wind Farm project (up to 1.85GW).

Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird  Centre said:

“Climate change is one of the most significant pressures for the marine environment and affects many of Scotland’s internationally important seabirds, which are in steep decline

“However, Scotland’s seas are a great source of renewable energy and we value the contribution that offshore renewable developments, in the right place, can make towards reducing the carbon emissions.

“We look forward to further discussions with SSE Renewables and the sector-at-large around developing innovative ways to provide people with the scientific evidence and knowledge of the importance of Scotland’s seas.

“These stakeholders have a very important role to play in combating climate change where developments complement the wider steps required to protect and restore our marine environment and internationally important seabird colonies.”

Louise Davis, SSE Renewables said:

“At SSE Renewables, we’re taking action on climate change and helping drive the push to meet Scotland’s net-zero targets by 2045.

“That’s why we are delighted to support the work that The Scottish Seabird Centre is doing to provide education, conservation and science engagement programmes.

“We know that this award-winning centre plays a very important role, not just for the local community but for the many visitors that come from further afield.

“Therefore, we hope that our donation goes some way to helping the Scottish Seabird Centre during these tough times and that and we can work with them in future – to help people learn all the importance of renewable energy to the marine environment and our planet as a whole.”