SSE has taken a final investment decision to proceed with construction of its 208MW Strathy South wind farm in the Scottish Highlands.
Development of Strathy South, which is located in north-east Sutherland, has been ongoing for over a decade.
Main construction works at Strathy South will begin in spring 2025, with commercial operations expected in late 2027.
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.
Heather Donald, director of onshore wind, solar and battery at SSE Renewables, said: “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.
“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.”