Episodes

  • Unlocking Scotland's renewables potential [Clean Energy Pod #6]
    Jun 11 2024

    In this episode of the Clean Energy Pod, powered by SSE, we talk to Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, the trade body for the industry in Scotland. Claire shares with us some of the challenges and opportunities for the renewable energy industry, what is needed to speed up the energy transition and how Scotland can remain a world leader in renewable energy.

    This recording took place in June 2024.

    Find out more about our renewable energy technologies here: https://www.sse.com/our-technologies/

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    40 mins
  • In conversation with one of Europe's biggest electricity company CEOs [Clean Energy Pod #5]
    Jun 9 2024

    In this episode of the Clean Energy Pod, powered by SSE, we talk to our Chief Executive, Alistair Phillips-Davies about what it’s like to run one of Europe’s biggest electricity infrastructure companies. Alistair shares:
    • what made him an early mover in clean energy
    • which clean energy technologies and trends are inevitable
    • why he decided to sell the UK domestic supply business
    • how the business decides on who and where to invest billions of pounds
    • what policy makers need to do to speed up the clean energy transition

    This recording took place during our full year financial results announcement in May 2024. Alistair also talks about how the company performed in financial year 2023/24. And perhaps more importantly, how SSE is investing more than £20 billion by 2027, and much more than that in the years to come.

    Find out more about our 2023/24 financial year results on our website: https://www.sse.com/news-and-views/2024/05/inside-sse-s-2023-24-financial-year-results-with-our-chief-executive/

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@sseplc?si=Q9Uv74TDMKDZX6xr
    SSE, plc website: sse.com
    SSE careers: careers.sse.com/homepage
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/12481
    X (formerly Twitter): x.com/SSE
    Instagram: instagram.com/sseplc

    #Podcast #CleanEnergy #NetZero #EnergyTransition

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    28 mins
  • How to deliver the clean energy transition [Clean Energy Pod #3]
    May 28 2024

    We need radical change to deliver our net zero targets. 75% of the energy we use across the UK economy is from fossil fuels. We are behind where we should be to meet our 2035 net zero targets.

    In this episode of the Clean Energy Pod, powered by SSE, we talk to SSE's Director of Strategy Declan Burke. We discuss why we need the pace to pick and to invest more in clean energy. Declan shares his thoughts on how we can decarbonise the UK economy by 2050. And how the energy industry and government can work together. If we get this right, we can deliver low cost, secure and low carbon energy.

    Find out more about us and our strategy on our website: https://www.sse.com/about-us/

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    00:23 What is SSE’s net zero acceleration programme plus (NZAP+) strategy?
    01:54 How is SSE allocating £20 billion to support net zero?
    03:30 What are challenges in delivering clean energy solutions?
    05:29 Can we deliver a clean energy system by 2035?
    07:36 What were your previous energy roles in the UK Government?
    08:24 What is a CFD (contract for difference)?
    08:59 Why is a CFD (contract for difference) a good system?
    10:14 Did the CFD (contract for difference) system work for offshore wind in the UK?
    10:39 What is flexible power? Why do we need it?
    11:18 What is carbon capture and storage (CCS)?
    12:53 Can government deliver a clean energy power system at pace?
    14:24 What does the future clean energy system look like?
    15:03 Is reforming the energy system too complicated to get done quickly?
    16:26 What energy advice would you give to a new UK government?
    17:31 What impact does a general election have on civil servants?
    18:19 Is the role of policymakers appreciated?
    19:02 Why did you want to work for an energy company?
    20:11 What would you tell your ex colleagues in Whitehall after working for an energy company?
    21:01 Where do you get energy industry information?
    22:11 What is your career advice for someone interested in policy or strategy?
    23:11 What is the biggest challenge to delivering a clean energy system in the UK?
    24:32 What is your advice to someone in the energy industry who is frustrated by government?

    SSE, plc website: sse.com
    SSE careers: careers.sse.com/homepage
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/12481
    X (formerly Twitter): x.com/SSE
    Instagram: instagram.com/sseplc

    #Podcast #CleanEnergy #NetZero

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    25 mins
  • Can the UK remain a global leader in renewable energy? [Clean Energy Pod #4]
    May 23 2024

    In this episode of the Clean Energy Pod, powered by SSE, we talk to @renewableuk 's Executive Director, Policy & Engagement, Ana Musat. Ana shares how the industry can accelerate the transition to a renewables-based energy system. The UK needs a clean energy system that delivers socio-economic benefits for everyone.

    Find out more about how we're investing in renewable energy on our website: https://www.sse.com/our-technologies/

    Resources
    Renewable UK's 'Industrial Growth Plan' for offshore wind: https://www.renewableuk.com/news/670233/Offshore-Wind-Industrial-Growth-Plan.htm

    Read our blog to find out how pumped hydro storage can help us deliver net zero: https://www.sse.com/news-and-views/2024/02/pumped-hydro-storage-can-help-us-achieve-net-zero-targets/

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@sseplc?si=Q9Uv74TDMKDZX6xr
    SSE, plc website: sse.com
    SSE careers: careers.sse.com/homepage
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/12481
    X (formerly Twitter): x.com/SSE
    Instagram: instagram.com/sseplc

    #Podcast #CleanEnergy #NetZero #RenewableEnergy

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    27 mins
  • How to get a job in clean energy with SSE’s HR Director [Clean Energy Pod #2]
    May 23 2024

    Want to get a job in clean energy? It is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The International Energy Association say clean energy jobs surpassed fossil fuel jobs in 2021 and will continue to do so. But how do you get into the industry?

    In this episode of the Clean Energy Pod, powered by SSE, we talk to SSE HR Director John Stewart who is hiring thousands of people every year. We discuss which skills are most in demand, how candidates should approach applications and whether AI can help?

    Find out what clean energy opportunities are available on the SSE careers website: careers.sse.com/homepage

    SSE, plc website: sse.com
    SSE careers: careers.sse.com/homepage
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/12481
    X (formerly Twitter): x.com/SSE
    Instagram: instagram.com/sseplc

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    28 mins
  • Why most people back clean energy [Clean Energy Pod #1]
    May 23 2024

    In this episode of the Clean Energy Pod, powered by SSE, we talk to former No 10 Downing Street pollster James Johnson. He surveyed more than 6,000 UK voters to test support for energy investment in the UK.

    In this episode you will learn:
    -what voters think about Clean Energy
    -what the findings mean for policymakers and technologies like renewables
    -how the UK compares to other countries. And how brave the next government should be

    You can read the full poll results on the SSE website: https://www.sse.com/news-and-views/2023/11/poll-uk-voters-want-to-speed-up-the-transition-to-a-cleaner-energy-future/

    SSE, plc website: sse.com
    SSE careers: careers.sse.com/homepage
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/12481
    X (formerly Twitter): x.com/SSE
    Instagram: instagram.com/sseplc

    #Podcast #CleanEnergy #PublicOpinion

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    19 mins