A Norwegian energy company has begun construction of a 66.7MW onshore windfarm in the Scottish Highlands.

Statkraft is hoping the work on the Berry Burn Wind Farm, 30km east of Inverness, will strengthen its position in the UK renewables market.

The project will use 29 wind turbines provided by Enercon and is expected to be completed in early 2014. Statkraft says up to 50 jobs will be created during construction.

The total investment by the company during construction is expected to reach £70m, part of which will go into a community benefits fund for the local area.

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This will be Statkraft's second onshore wind farm in the UK. The company says it has ambitions to grow its presence in the UK.

Last month, Statkraft revealed plans to invest £30m in new UK wind farm projects.

It also launched an equity scheme with the intention of boosting its ability to sell renewable power direct to corporate customers.

The company also has plans to take a minority stake in smaller wind energy projects that are currently struggling to secure financing via debt funding secured through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with large clients.

Statfraft has built the Sheringham Shoal wind farm alongside Statoil, and recently acquired the Dudgeon wind project.

The firm has been granted a licence to develop Europe's largest offshore wind farm zone on Dogger Bank as part of the Forewind Consortium.

(IT)