** Proposals submitted to vary consented Highlands wind farm development **
SSE has submitted a Section 36C variation application to the Scottish Government for proposed planning changes to its consented Achany Extension Wind Farm in the northern Highlands.
Achany Extension is an 18-turbine wind farm extension proposed for a site near to SSE’s operational 38MW Achany Wind Farm. The development is situated approximately 4.5km north of Rosehall and 11km northwest of Lairg in Sutherland.
The wind farm extension was granted consent by Scottish Government Ministers in May 2023 however the challenging economic landscape now facing the onshore wind energy industry means it is not possible for SSE Renewables to progress the project in its current form.
The development has now been re-designed to increase the tip height of the turbines from 149.9 metres to 200 metres. If consented and approved for delivery, the wind farm extension would have an installed renewable energy capacity in excess of 80MW, complementing generation production at SSE’s existing Achany site.
The proposed variations to Achany Extension were presented to the community at public events in Rosehall and Lairg in June and August this year.
Lauren Swan, Lead Development Project Manager at SSE Renewables said:
“We’re pleased to have submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government for variations to the consented Achany Extension Wind Farm. This development can play an important role in delivering new clean, renewable power to Scotland’s energy users alongside our operational Achany Wind Farm site. Feedback from members of the community has helped inform our approach and shape the submitted proposal. Achany Extension has the potential to deliver long-term benefits to the northern Highlands through supply chain opportunities for local businesses and contractors during the construction phase, as well as to neighbouring communities through SSE’s continuing commitment to Community Investment Funding once the wind farm enters operation.”
Details of the planning application can be viewed on the Achany Extension website: www.sserenewables.com/achanyextension