Highland Council has approved plans for SSE Renewables’ proposed extension to the Bhlaraidh Wind Farm in the Great Glen.
SSE said Tuesday that the council’s South Area planning applications committee raised no objection to its proposals to construct 18 turbines on land to the east of the existing Bhlaraidh Wind Farm development, near Invermoriston, which began operations in 2017.
If successful, the proposed scheme would have an installed capacity of in excess of 100 megawatts (MW), in addition to the present 32-turbine, 108MW wind farm.
SSE said the committee supported the recommendation of the local authority’s planners to raise no objection to the development, subject to the removal of three turbines.
It will now move to Scottish Government ministers who will make a final consent determination on the project.
SSE said an approval would mean “significant investment” in the area. Around one-third of Bhlaraidh Wind Farm’s capital and operating expenditure – more than £120 million – is projected to be secured in the Great Glen during the life span of the development, it said.
Bhlaraidh Extension is one of several onshore wind farm developments that SSE Renewables is pursuing in the Scottish Highlands including the Cloiche, Achany Extension and Strathy South wind projects.
A report released in 2020 and commissioned by SSE suggested the Great Glen could expect to see around £360 million in financial contributions as a result of renewables development there, including at the Stronelairg, Bhlaraidh and Dunmaglass wind farms and Glendoe hydro station.
Scotland would benefit from an additional £1.2 billion in economic value, the report added.
Bhlaraidh Extension project manager, Craig Cunningham, said the team welcomed the decision. “The Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension will make a significant contribution towards Scotland’s net zero goals, while providing new green jobs for local supply chain companies in the Highlands.
“The construction phase of the project will provide a considerable boost to the Highland economy and Bhlaraidh Extension, when operating, will be another milestone in the journey to a net zero future.”
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