SSE Renewables has submitted an application to the Scottish government seeking design modifications to its consented Achany Extension wind farm in Sutherland, proposing to increase turbine heights and boost total generating capacity.
The Section 36C variation application requests approval to raise the maximum turbine tip height from 149.9 metres to 200 metres. If granted, the revised layout would deliver more than 80 megawatts of installed capacity, the company said.
The proposed 18-turbine project is located adjacent to SSE’s existing 38MW Achany wind farm, about 4.5 kilometres north of Rosehall and 11 kilometres northwest of Lairg.
Originally approved in May 2023, the Achany Extension project has been redesigned in response to what SSE described as “a challenging economic landscape for the onshore wind sector.”
SSE Renewables held public exhibitions in Rosehall and Lairg earlier this year to present the updated design and gather feedback from local residents.
“We’re pleased to have submitted a planning application to the Scottish government for variations to the consented Achany Extension wind farm,” said Lauren Swan, lead development project manager at SSE Renewables. “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.”
Swan said that community engagement had influenced the final proposal. “Feedback from members of the community has helped inform our approach and shape the submitted proposal,” she said. “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.”
The company said the Achany Extension remains part of its wider strategy to expand onshore wind generation across Scotland, supporting national net-zero targets and contributing to regional economic growth.
