SSE PLC Completion of 228MW Stronelairg Onshore Wind Farm (1474K)
December 11 2018 - 8:58AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMSSE
RNS Number : 1474K
SSE PLC
11 December 2018
SSE plc
COMPLETION OF 228MW STRONELAIRG ONSHORE WIND FARM
SSE has completed the construction and commissioning of the 66
turbine/228MW (megawatt) Stronelairg wind farm, near Fort Augustus.
With a total investment of around GBP350m, Stronelairg is expected
to be SSE's final wind farm to be accredited under the Renewables
Obligation.
The completion of Stronelairg takes SSE's onshore wind farm
capacity to 2,143MW, and its total renewable energy capacity
(including pumped storage) to 3,955MW.
This capacity total will increase to 4,190MW when the Beatrice
offshore wind farm in the Moray Firth is completed in the spring of
2019; but it may be closer to 4,030MW if SSE completes the sale of
stakes of up to 50% in Stronelairg and in Dunmaglass* onshore wind
farm.
The potential sale of stakes in Stronelairg and Dunmaglass is in
line with SSE's strategy to create value from developing and
operating assets, as well as owning them. Should a sale be
completed, SSE will continue to be the operator of both wind farms
and will retain significant future development rights in relation
to them.
The Stronelairg wind farm is situated within a natural bowl on a
plateau that is on average 600 metres above sea level. Its load
factor, on a P50 basis, is expected to be around 42% in a typical
year. This is similar to the load factors of many existing offshore
windfarms. It is set well back from Loch Ness, so that no turbines
are visible from main tourist routes. In line with SSE's commitment
to sharing value, communities will benefit from a significant
community investment fund.
SSE announced on 14 November that it is consolidating the
development, operation and ownership of its renewable energy assets
in the UK and Ireland under a single entity to be known as SSE
Renewables.
SSE's future onshore wind farm pipeline consists of over 800MW
of potential new-build projects.
Martin Pibworth, Wholesale Director, SSE, said:
"To have completed Stronelairg ahead of schedule and on budget,
despite the additional challenges associated with its altitude and
the weather conditions experienced in the winter of 2017/18, is a
tribute to the skill and professionalism of the teams that
designed, developed and built the wind farm. Its completion
confirms SSE's position as the owner and operator of the most
renewable energy capacity across the UK and Ireland.
"Through SSE Renewables, we want to build on our established
skills in asset management and large capital project development to
achieve future growth and maximise our contribution to the ongoing
decarbonisation of the electricity system."
*Note
Dunmaglass wind farm is situated approximately 15 kilometres
from Stronelairg and is on average 700 metres above sea level. It
was completed in early 2017 following a total investment (including
the cost of acquiring the development in 2013) of around GBP210m
and comprises 33 turbines with a total capacity of 94MW. Its load
factor, on a P50 basis, is expected to be 43% in a typical
year.
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END
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