SSE confirms Strathy South wind farm to go ahead
Work will start on the Strathy South wind farm in spring next year, SSE has confirmed.
The site has been in development for more than a decade and the energy firm has now taken a final investment decision.
It says that construction of the 208MW wind farm will begin in spring 2025, with commercial operations expected in late 2027.
The wind farm will be made up of 35 turbines with a blade-tip height of up to 185 metres.
Heather Donald, director of onshore wind, solar and battery for SSE Renewables, said: “While a number of external factors continue to provide significant economic challenges for the deployment of onshore wind in the UK, we’re pleased to confirm that our Strathy South Wind Farm project has now reached a final investment decision and will proceed into construction next year.
“As a project that has been in SSE Renewables’ portfolio pipeline for over a decade, this decision marks an important milestone for the project’s progression.
“Along with supporting delivery of the UK and Scottish Government’s ambitious decarbonisation and energy security targets, Strathy South will deliver a number of legacy benefits to its host communities and the Highland region throughout the project’s lifetime.”
SSE says there will be a community investment fund amounting to £1 million per year for the working duration of the wind farm.
It also claims the wind farm will have a “vast” biodiversity net gain through the restoration of peatland at the site and the removal of over 1000 hectares of non-native commercial forestry.
Strathy South, which will be located 12km south of the village of Strathy in north Sutherland, will use Danish manufacturer Vestas to supply, install and commission the 35 V162-6.2 MW turbines for the project.