SSE takes final investment decision on Strathy South Wind Farm in Scottish Highlands
17 Dec 2024
Vestas V162-6.2 MW turbine
The 208MW onshore wind farm will be located 12km south of the village of Strathy in north-east Sutherland
SSE has taken a final investment decision to proceed with construction of its 208MW Strathy South onshore wind farm in the Scottish Highlands.
Development of Strathy South Wind Farm, which is located in north-east Sutherland, has been ongoing for over a decade and once completed, it will be capable of powering around 200,000 homes annually* with renewable energy.
Main construction works will begin in spring 2025, with commercial operations expected in late 2027.
Delivery of the Strathy South Wind Farm project represents a total capital expenditure investment of around £400 million by SSE Renewables.
Danish manufacturer, Vestas, has been selected to supply, install and commission the 35 V162-6.2 MW turbines for the project.
SSE Renewables will establish a community investment fund as part of the Strathy South project, which is valued at £1m per year for the lifetime of the wind farm.
In addition, Strathy South will have a vast biodiversity net gain (BNG) through the restoration of peatland at the site and the removal of over 1000 hectares of non-native commercial forestry.
"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 (FID) and will proceed into construction next year
Heather Donald Director of Onshore Wind, Solar & Battery – SSE Renewables
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."
[ENDS]
*220,849 homes powered per annum based on Typical Domestic Consumption Values (Medium Electricity Profile Class 1,2900kWh per household; OFGEM, June 2021), typical 38.1% projected wind load factor, and projected installed capacity of 208MW