Scottish ministers have approved SSE Renewables plans to raise the maximum turbine tip heights at its consented 38MW Gordonbush 2 in the Highlands from 130 metres to 149.9 metres.
The Perth developer has removed four machines from the now 11-unit project located near Brora in Sutherland, which was initially approved by Holyrood in 2017.
SSE Renewables said the reduction in turbine numbers reflects the development of wind turbine technology and will allow it to take advantage of more powerful turbines to maximise yield.
The company is mulling options for a route to market for Gordonbush 2, including the viability of building it on a subsidy-free basis, ahead of taking a final investment decision (FID).
Should the project reach a positive FID, SSE Renewables will engage with the local and Scottish supply chain to “maximise the opportunities available for local businesses” to work on the extension.
“We’ve been part of the East Sutherland community for almost a decade now and in that time we’ve been very pleased to have been able to help support the local community with £1.4m of approved community benefit funding to date, including supporting local employment and apprenticeships,” said SSE Renewables development project manager Gillian Wilson.
“We look forward to continuing this work in the community as we develop the extension,” she added.
The extension project would add to the original 70MW Gordonbush wind farm (pictured) operational since 2012.