News article
Extreme E event impact revealed
YouGov Sport’s recently published Economic Impact Study has demonstrated the positive financial impact of Extreme E’s Hydro X Prix event in Scotland.
The championship travelled to the country in May, and contributed a £31.06m total economic boost. Extreme E raced in the former open-cast Glenmuckloch mine in Dumfries and Galloway, which is set to be transformed into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm.
The report measured the economic impact across all forms of spending, including attendee and organisational spend alongside specific economic factors, tourism and other spending factors.
Ali Russell, Managing Director at Extreme E, said: “The YouGov Sport Report Economic Impact Study for the Hydro X Prix illustrates the positive financial impact an Extreme E race has had on Scotland, particular to the local economy, which is very satisfying.
“We are hugely proud that the Hydro X Prix achieved such impactful economic results, and delivered so many wider benefits to the country as a whole.
“Holding an international motorsport event in Scotland, while raising awareness of the country and Extreme E’s shared commitments to sustainability, renewable energy initiatives and e-mobility, was an ambitious project, but one in which we were able to deliver successfully.”
“We are hugely proud that the Hydro X Prix achieved such impactful economic results."
Extreme E’s environmental legacy initiative also saw the all-electric off-road racing series begin a multi-stage project to mitigate the effects of climate change on local salmon stocks. The series partnered with the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board to help reverse the impact of climate change through community engagement, education and science.
Official technology partner Vodafone Business also collaborated on the project, placing sensors in the River Nith to monitor temperatures, acidity levels and pollution levels.
YouGov Sport’s economic impact report for the Hydro X Prix was carried out using the eventIMPACTS methodology, which has been developed by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Russell added: “Extreme E has asked for a discussion with the government about the possibility of the race returning to Scotland next year. Although other countries are interested in securing a race, this Scottish location is very special and, with some modest investment from government, we could repeat this incredible event.”
Image: Chris Kaeppeli on Unsplash