SSE Renewables has published a report claiming that its four onshore wind projects in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands will contribute £485m to the UK economy throughout their lifespan.
Three of the projects, the 38MW Achany, 71.75MW Gordonbush, and 67.75MW Strathy North are operational, with the fourth, the 38MW Gordonbush Extension, currently in construction.
Some £327m of the money will remain in Scotland, with the Highlands benefitting from £131m throughout the development, construction, and operational life of the projects, according to SSE.
The report, entitled Delivering Investment, Supporting Jobs- Understanding the socio-economic value for SSE Renewables’ projects in Sutherland, was conducted by economic consultancy BiGGAR Economics.
Also analysed were the impacts of the four wind farms’ community benefit funds, which the report says have already made £6.9m in direct investment available to Sutherland communities, with a total of £23.1m expected over their lifetimes.
Managing Director of SSE Renewables, Jim Smith said: “With help from BiGGAR Economics, we have quantified some of our socio-economic impacts and can see the scale of the economic contribution from our onshore wind developments in Sutherland.
“Millions of pounds and hundreds of jobs have been supported and retained in the local, regional and national economies and- crucially- the benefits will continue throughout the projects’ operational lives.
“Through our direct actions and that of our supply chain, we create local jobs and make a positive contribution to the Scottish and UK GDP.
“SSE Renewables is part of these Highland communities for the long-term and this report lays out our ongoing commitment to them- to share in the values we’ve created.”