SSE Renewables’ proposed extension to Bhlaraidh Wind Farm has taken a significant step towards receiving consent today with Highland Council’s South Area Planning Applications Committee raising no objection to the project.
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension is a proposal to build a development with an installed operating capacity of around 100 megawatts (MW) on land to the east of the existing Bhlaraidh Wind Farm development, near Invermoriston, which began operating in 2017.
Highland Council’s South Planning Applications Committee supported the recommendation of the local authority’s planners to raise no objection to the development, subject to the removal of three turbines. The proposal now proceeds to Scottish Government Ministers who will make the final consent determination on the application.
If the application is approved by the Scottish Government, Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension will add to SSE Renewables’ significant investment in the Great Glen. Around one third of Bhlaraidh Wind Farm’s capital and operating expenditure – more than £120 million – is projected to be secured in the Great Glen during the life span of the development*.
Bhlaraidh Extension is one of a number of significant onshore wind farm developments that SSE Renewables is pursuing in the Scottish Highlands including the Cloiche, Achany Extension and Strathy South wind farm projects. Together, these onshore wind projects can contribute significantly to the Scottish Government’s plan to more than double the country's onshore wind capacity by 2030. Scotland currently has just over 8 gigawatts (GW) of installed onshore wind capacity and has ambitions to grow that capacity by a further 8 to 12 GW by the end of the decade.
SSE Renewables is Scotland and the UK’s clean energy champion. It is part of SSE plc, the UK-listed integrated energy group which is investing £12.5bn over the next five years, or £7m a day, in green energy projects such as Bhlaraidh Extension to deliver a Net Zero Acceleration Plan to address climate change head on.
"We welcome today’s decision by the South Area Planning Applications Committee regarding Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension. The Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension will make a significant contribution towards Scotland’s net zero goals, while providing new green jobs for local supply chain companies in the Highlands. The construction phase of the project will provide a considerable boost to the Highland economy and Bhlaraidh Extension, when operating, will be another milestone in the journey to a net zero future.
Craig Cunningham Project Manager for Bhlaraidh Extension
We are grateful to the community organisations, individuals and businesses who contributed to the programme of consultation that preceded the submission of our planning application to The Highland Council.
Along with our Cloiche, Achany Extension and Strathy South wind farm projects, Bhlaraidh Extension can accelerate Scotland’s net zero goals, while helping transition Scottish workers from high carbon sectors to new green jobs – with us and with our supply chain partners. SSE Renewables is working hard to bring these plans to life, boosting the Highlands’ economy and putting us on the journey to a net zero future."
Further information on Bhlaraidh Extension can be found on the development website: www.sserenewables.com/bhlaraidhextension