SSE Renewables has submitted a Section 36C variation application to the Scottish government requesting design changes to its consented Achany Extension wind farm in Highland.
The updated proposal seeks to increase turbine tip heights from 149.9 metres to 200 metres. If approved, the modified layout would deliver more than 80MW of installed capacity, SSE said.
The 18-turbine project is planned to be built next to SSE’s operational 38MW Achany wind farm, around 4.5km north of Rosehall and 11km northwest of Lairg in Sutherland.
Originally approved in May 2023, the extension scheme has been redesigned in response to what SSE described as a challenging economic landscape for the onshore wind sector.
SSE held public exhibitions in Rosehall and Lairg earlier this year to present the proposed design changes and gather community feedback.
Lead development project manager Lauren Swan said: “We’re pleased to have submitted a planning application to the Scottish government for variations to the consented Achany Extension wind farm.
“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. Feedback from members of the community has helped inform our approach and shape the submitted proposal.
“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.”