We're investing in a fleet of quieter, cleaner, more efficient mobile generators. 22 of these new units are already in service, with hundreds more to be delivered in the coming years. We use this equipment to help keep vulnerable customers’ lights on during planned and unplanned network outages.
Cutting emissions – and noise – while keeping customers’ lights on
We're committed to decarbonising our own essential operations, and these new mobile generators meet the latest ‘Stage V’ standards, meaning they emit fewer harmful emissions. To further improve environmental performance and efficiency, they can also be fuelled using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is already in extensive use in our large network maintenance vehicle fleet. Compared with conventional diesel, HVO can deliver reductions in carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and overall greenhouse gas emissions.
The HVO we use is made from by-products or waste materials which were destined for landfill, such as used cooking oil and food waste.
The new generators also run much more quietly than their predecessors, meaning the noise pollution they emit locally is considerably lower. And because they’re more efficient than the models they replace, they can run for longer before they need refuelled.
We're deploying these new generators as a short-to-medium term measure, while we assess the feasibility of using battery-powered solutions, which will deliver even more significant reductions in emissions.
Eliane Algaard, SSEN Distribution’s Services Director, says:
“When we submitted our current business plan to the Regulator, we made a commitment to reduce the emissions produced by our fleet of mobile generators. The adoption of this new equipment shows how we’re delivering on this promise, while we work to support vulnerable customers during unplanned power cuts.
“These new generators run more quietly than the models they replace. And because we can run them on HVO, we’re reducing the environmental impact of our essential operations. When we combine this with lower emissions thanks to the latest ‘Stage V’ technology, we’re able to provide a better service for our customers when we need to deploy generators.
“As we commission this new fleet, we’re also actively exploring future technologies, including battery-based alternatives, as part of our longer-term decarbonisation strategy."
Our commitment to supplying HVO responsibly
More than 90% of the HVO used across our operations is sourced from used cooking oil and other waste-derived feedstocks. All fuel is procured through robust assurance schemes, and supply chains used are independently verified to ensure compliance with UK sustainability requirements.
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