SSE has submitted a Section 36C variation application to the Scottish Government, proposing significant planning changes to its consented Achany Extension Wind Farm in the Northern Highlands.

The proposed development, situated approximately 4.5km north of Rosehall and 11km northwest of Lairg in Sutherland, is designed as an 18-turbine extension next to SSE's operational 38MW Achany Wind Farm.

While the wind farm extension originally received consent from Scottish Government Ministers in May 2023, the challenging economic environment currently facing the onshore wind energy sector means the project cannot proceed in its original form.

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To ensure the viability of the construction project, the development has been re-designed to increase the tip height of the turbines from 149.9 metres to 200 metres. If this variation is consented and approved for delivery, the construction of the wind farm extension would result in an installed renewable energy capacity exceeding 80MW, significantly complementing the power generation at the existing Achany site.

Lauren Swan, Lead Development Project Manager at SSE Renewables, confirmed the submission: "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."

Ms Swan also noted that feedback from the community, gathered at public events in Rosehall and Lairg earlier this year, helped to shape the submitted proposal. She added that the Achany Extension has the potential to deliver substantial, long-term benefits to the Northern Highlands through supply chain opportunities for local businesses and contractors during the crucial construction phase, as well as continued Community Investment Funding once the wind farm becomes operational.