SSE has commenced earthworks for the Aberarder wind farm, a significant renewable energy project in the Scottish Highlands.

The 50MW wind farm, situated in Strathnairn near Inverness, will power 60,000 homes annually and displace 30,000t of CO₂ equivalent in its initial year of operation.

The wind farm will be equipped with 12 turbines supplied and installed by Vestas. It represents a £100m investment by SSE.

The final investment decision was made in May 2024, with completion targeted for late 2026.

In September 2023, the project secured a 15-year contract in the UK's fifth contract for difference allocation round.

The contract supports the development of low-carbon electricity generation, providing a stable revenue stream for the project.

Aberarder wind farm is located on a natural plateau, averaging 700m above sea level, adjacent to the operational 94MW Dunmaglass wind farm, which is jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat UK Wind.

 SSE onshore renewables development and construction director Heather Donald stated: “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.”

In July 2024, SSE Renewables formed a joint venture with Gilkes Energy to advance Scotland's Loch Fearna pumped storage hydro project.

The proposed scheme, among the largest pumped storage hydro projects in the UK, will feature an installed capacity of 1.8GW and provide 37 gigawatt hours of energy storage capacity.