The 50MW project in Strathnairn near Inverness could power almost 60,000 homes annually and is due to be operational by end of 2026
Construction is underway at SSE’s wind farm project at Aberarder in the Scottish Highlands.
The 50MW project, based in Strathnairn near Inverness, will comprise of 12 turbines which will be supplied and installed by Vestas.
SSE took a final investment decision on Aberarder Wind Farm in May of this year in a circa £100m investment and is scheduled for completion in late 2026.
Once operational, the site will be capable of generating enough green energy to power almost 60,000 homes annually and displace around 30,000tCO2e during its first year of operation.
The Aberarder project was successful in September 2023 in the UK’s fifth Contract for Difference (CfD) Allocation round, securing a 15-year contract for low-carbon power generation.
It sits on a natural plateau at an average of 700m above sea level, directly adjacent to the operational 94MW Dunmaglass Wind Farm which is jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat UK Wind.
Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Renewables Development & Construction, said:
“Beginning construction of our Aberarder Wind Farm project is a significant milestone for SSE Renewables and for our onshore wind portfolio. This project will play its part in supporting Scotland and the UK’s net zero targets, producing homegrown clean power and helping secure a greener future.”
*Quoted 58,523 homes powered per annum based on Typical Domestic Consumption Values (Medium Electricity Profile Class 1, 2,900kWh per household; OFGEM, June 2021), estimated T&D losses (Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES)), typical 42% projected wind load factor, and projected installed capacity of 50MW. Quoted 32,423 tCO2e reductions per annum based on expected annual output against average 207 tCO2e per GWh for average grid carbon emissions in Great Britain ((2023 UK Government Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Conversion Factors for Company Reporting, published June 2023).
About SSE Renewables
SSE Renewables is a leading developer and operator of renewable energy, headquartered in the UK and Ireland, with a growing presence internationally.
Part of SSE plc, the UK-listed energy infrastructure company, its strategy is to lead the transition to a net zero future through the world-class development, construction and operation of clean power assets across a diverse mix of renewable technologies.
SSE Renewables is investing around £7bn to 2027, or almost £4m a day on average, to support the delivery of SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme to address climate change head on. This includes plans to increase installed renewable energy capacity to around 9GW by 2027, including the delivery of the world’s largest offshore wind farm in construction.
SSE Renewables has a team of around 2,000 renewable energy professionals based across the UK and Ireland, Continental Europe, and Japan, all committed to delivering the green energy the world needs now and in the future.