Alison Hood, Head of Communications and Social Value at Statkraft reflects on how partnerships can power a legacy for The Highlands.
Originally from ‘Windy Wellington’ in New Zealand, I’ve spent the past two decades working in renewable energy here in the UK. My career has taken me from wind farms to community benefit funds, but one constant has been my belief that projects should leave a lasting, positive legacy for the places that host them. That mission feels more urgent now than ever.
Statkraft is preparing to invest £1 billion in a pumped storage hydro project in the Highlands, with construction set to begin within the next year. This is not just an engineering milestone, it’s an opportunity for the region to secure lasting social and economic benefits. And this is one of many renewable energy and infrastructure projects moving towards delivery by 2030. The question is, are we ready to make the most of it?
For developers like Statkraft, partnerships are essential. No single organisation can deliver the scale of change required. That’s why we place such a high value on working with regional bodies, local businesses and community organisations – especially here in the Highlands. This region is not only central to Scotland’s renewable energy future; it’s also an example that others watch closely. Over the years, I’ve seen how conversations about socio-economic impact and community wealth building in the Highlands are often more advanced than in other parts of the country.
But crucially, we don’t arrive with a pre-written prescription for what communities need. The best solutions are built from listening. Discussions with local partners shape our approach, so that our projects can reflect local priorities and create the right mix of opportunities, from jobs and training to supply chain growth and environmental stewardship.
One partner that stands out is Highland CIC. They bring something unique: the ability to bridge conversations between businesses, communities and regional bodies. In many ways, they are a missing puzzle piece – helping developers like us to align with local priorities. This kind of role is invaluable for maximising opportunities and breaking down barriers to address the practical challenges that can otherwise hold progress back.
These challenges are real. Industries in the Highlands are grappling with workforce shortages, housing pressures and the need to retain young talent. That’s why collaboration across sectors is essential. Renewables and tourism may seem like different worlds, but both are rooted in the region’s natural assets and both depend on a sustainable future.
As we look ahead to the next decade, I believe the Highlands can set a global benchmark for how renewable energy investment delivers deep, lasting value for local people. But to do that, we need to act with urgency, build strong partnerships and ensure that every pound invested works as hard as it can for the region. The opportunity is here – now it’s up to all of us to seize it.
Highland Renewables is a forward-thinking network of businesses committed to harnessing the Highlands’ abundant natural resources to deliver renewable energy projects and strategically important sustainable development initiatives.
Driven by a shared ambition and vision, we support the business-led community effort for the Highlands to become a global leader in sustainable development, aligned with both local and national government policies.
Through these initiatives, we not only contribute to global climate goals and Scotland’s net zero ambitions, but also promote strategic investment in local communities, environmental stewardship and infrastructure.
Our aim is to leave a lasting legacy that benefits the Highlands for generations to come. If you’d like to know more about our organisation and how you can get involved in our sustainable development initiatives, please contact us at info@highlandcic.org