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SSE Renewables has welcomed the "important and positive step forward" their proposed extension to Achany Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands has taken after the Highland Council's North Planning Applications Committee raised no objection to the project.
The proposed Achany Extension Wind Farm would be constructed on land adjacent to SSE Renewables' operational 19 turbine and 38 megawatt (MW) Achany Wind Farm near Lairg in Sutherland. The extension development, if consented, would be expected to generate more than 70MW of renewable electricity. This means the volume of renewable energy that would be generated by both the existing Achany site and the proposed extension development would be in excess of 108MW.
Highland Council's North Planning Applications Committee supported the recommendation of the local authority's planners to raise no objection to the development, subject to the removal of two turbines, marking a positive step forward in the project's development.
The Achany Extension Wind Farm proposal now proceeds to Scottish Government Ministers who will make the final consent determination on the application.
The operational wind farm at Achany has been a considerable success in the region, delivering 38MW of renewable energy towards the Scottish and UK Governments' net-zero emissions targets and contributing over £1.4m to local organisations through the Achany Community Investment Fund.
Gillian Wilson, Senior Project Manager for Achany Extension, said: "We are pleased with the Highland Council's decision today. This is a positive decision and we believe it recognises our commitment and track record at SSE Renewables to always develop onshore wind energy projects in a responsible way. Achany Extension has been designed sensitively and will maximise the use of existing infrastructure at our operational Achany Wind Farm. We have listened carefully to people's views to ensure that we are considering local needs and priorities wherever possible.
"The delivery of our green energy projects in Scotland is supporting more than 1,000 Scottish supply chain jobs and we are committed to delivering a significant contribution to our renewable energy targets. If consented, Achany Extension would bring substantial employment opportunities and investment in the local Highland economy, supporting the green recovery and our drive to net zero."
