The renewable energy sector has been growing beyond expectations in recent months as the world has finally begun to accept the reality that the sector will play a vital role in decarbonizing the energy market. While some countries still place strategic importance on the gas and oil sectors, like the United States, Europe is progressing full steam ahead in the energy transition that has swept through the continent. Now, SSE Renewables has announced that it has given the go-ahead for three projects in Spain and Italy that will boost the region’s renewable energy production.

SSE Renewables has greenlit three substantial projects in Europe

Europe’s proclivity for the renewable energy sector has become all too evident in recent months and years, with several nations turning to the untapped potential that the renewable energy sector has in decarbonizing the global energy market. Now, SSE Renewables has taken a step towards the sector and has given the go-ahead for two new projects, one in Spain and another in Italy.

In 2016, the world came together to agree on a framework to accelerate the decarbonization of the energy sector. Most nations signed on to the Paris accord immediately, while others, such as the United States, have pulled out entirely following a change in leadership and policy directives. However, that has not stopped SSE from developing a plan of action to accelerate the energy transition to renewable energy in Europe.

SSE Renewables has taken a Final Investment Decision on three projects in Spain and Italy

Securing FIDs for projects can be a challenge for any company. Taking the time to consider the operational and compliance costs can be a long, drawn-out affair that spans years. The decision can be further complicated when contemplating the environmental impacts of projects. Thankfully, SSE Renewables has become an exemplar of how to fast-track the FIDs with the two new projects in Europe.

SSE to set up three projects in Spain and Italy that will boost its energy output in Europe

The first two projects that received an FID from SSE are the 23MW Portalrubio Wind Farm, as well as the adjoining 19MW Minguez Wind Farm in the Teruel region of Aragón, Spain. These two projects will consist of Delta4000 turbines manufactured and installed by Nordex Group, which has a factory in Barásoain, northern Spain.

The last project that has received the green light from SSE is the 10MW Tuturano Wind Farm in Puglia, southern Italy. This project will be delivered close to the existing 17MW Castel Favorito and Masseria la Cattiva combined wind farm, which is already being constructed. Wind power can save billions if managed properly, as evidenced by the news that the UK has saved an estimated £104 billion in power costs since 2010 by relying on wind power.

“I’m delighted we’ve taken final investment decisions to commence construction on 52MW of new onshore wind capacity at sites in Spain and Italy. The addition of these projects in carefully selected markets grows our current portfolio of onshore wind projects in construction in southern Europe to 133MW.” – Richard Cave-Bigley, Director, Onshore Europe for SSE Renewables

Global sentiment towards the wind power sector has shifted in recent years

The news that SSE has taken FIDs for the three new projects in Europe underscores the global sentiment for wind power. While some nations are wary of the renewable energy sector, others have welcomed the decarbonization and energy generation that the sector has with open arms. With the US President consistently expressing his disdain for wind power, a new report has been released that tracks the individual state sentiment for the sector. Europe’s apparent love for the wind power market will surely lead to the region becoming the home of renewable energy in the years to come.