RJ McLeod has commenced work on the build of a £400 million onshore wind farm in the Highlands.
The firm is delivering the 208MW Strathy South Wind Farm on behalf of SSE, with the site located adjacent to SSE’s operational Strathy North Wind Farm.
The 35-turbine project is fully contracted through a 15-year allocation round 5 (AR5) CfD contract with the UK Government and is targeting commercial operations in late 2027. Once completed, Strathy South will be capable of powering around 200,000 British homes annually with renewable energy.
SSE said that it is anticipated that up to 125 full-time jobs will be supported at peak construction, providing a vital contribution to the Scottish and UK supply chain. Danish manufacturer Vestas will supply, install and commission all 35 of its V162-6.2 MW turbines earmarked for the project.
Stephen Wheeler, MD of SSE Renewables, said, “The construction of our 208MW Strathy South Wind Farm puts SSE’s commitment to support the UK as its clean energy champion into action. By harnessing our natural resources in Scotland’s northern Highlands, we will be able to generate enough renewable energy when Strathy South enters operation in 2027 to power around 200,000 British homes annually and so help achieve the country’s clean power goal.
“At SSE we’re working hard to play our part to support the UK Government in the delivery of the country’s most ambitious reforms to the energy system in generations, as set out in the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. We’re committed to delivering the clean power projects the UK needs now, whether through the delivery of our Berwick Bank offshore wind project or through new onshore wind farms such as Strathy South. Together, we can power change towards a new era of clean, homegrown energy.”
Heather Donald, director of onshore wind, solar, and battery at SSE Renewables, added, “We are delighted to have started construction on Strathy South Wind Farm, which is another key project in our onshore portfolio and will see significant investment by SSE in the Scottish Highlands. The project will support full time construction roles and the local supply chain during delivery and will contribute to the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan once operational.
“As we look to develop a clean, homegrown secure energy system the scale and impact of onshore wind projects like Strathy South cannot be underestimated.It is also great to once again be working with local company RJ McLeod, our principal contractor, on Strathy South having worked with them on previous construction projects.”
Colin Maclean, director at RJ McLeod’s North Office, commented, “We’ve jointly delivered fifteen onshore wind projects with SSE Renewables, such as the recent Viking on Shetland and the previous Strathy North, and we’re delighted to be working together again on this important energy asset.”
