SSE wins 70 MW extension approval for Achany wind project in Scottish Highland

SSE Renewables’ proposed extension to Achany Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands has gained an approval in the formal consent process with Highland Council’s North Planning Applications Committee.

The proposed Achany Extension Wind Farm would be constructed on land adjacent to SSE Renewables’ operational 19 turbine and 38 megawatt (MW) Achany Wind Farm near Lairg in Sutherland. The extension development, if consented, would be expected to generate more than 70 MW of renewable electricity. This means the volume of renewable energy that would be generated by both the existing Achany site and the proposed extension development would be in excess of 108 MW.

Highland Council’s North Planning Applications Committee supported the recommendation of the local authority’s planners to raise no objection to the development, subject to the removal of two turbines.

The Achany Extension Wind Farm proposal now proceeds to Scottish Government Ministers who will make the final consent determination on the application.