π Project Overview
Strathy North is a 228 MW onshore wind farm in Sutherland, northern Scotland β among the most remote UK onshore wind projects. SSE Renewables developed it on the Strathy Bog SSSI, requiring specialist peat management. Its Vestas V150 4.5 MW turbines each have a 150 m rotor and stand 185 m to blade tip. The project won a CfD in Allocation Round 3 in 2019, demonstrating that UK onshore wind remained competitive when CfDs were reopened to the technology.
Site Schematic
Schematic diagram β not to scale. Illustrative layout based on project specifications.
β‘ Key Facts
228 MW on Scotland's north coast β one of the most remote UK projects
50 Γ Vestas V150-4.5 MW turbines at 185 m tip height
Won CfD AR3 β among first onshore wind CfDs after policy reversal
Located on Strathy Bog SSSI β extensive peat management required
~160,000 homes powered
π§ Technical Specifications
| Capacity (MW) | 68 MW |
| No. of turbines/units | 50 |
| Turbine / unit model | Vestas V150-4.5 MW |
| Unit capacity | 4.5 MW each |
| Rotor diameter | 150 m |
| Hub height | 110 m |
| Tip height | 185 m (approx) |
| Foundation type | Rock anchor / precast concrete |
| Annual output | 750 GWh/year |
| Homes powered | 160,000 homes |
π Grid Connection & Infrastructure
| Grid connection point | BeaulyβDenny transmission upgrade corridor |
| Voltage | 132 kV |
| CfD held | Yes β Allocation Round AR3Β£44.18/MWh (2012 prices) |
π’ Development & Ownership
| Developer | SSE Renewables |
| Owner / operator | SSE Renewables |
| Year consented | 2011 |
| Construction started | 2014 |
| Commissioned / target | 2015 |
| Location | Strathy Bog, Sutherland β near Melvich on the north coast of Scotland |
| Region | Sutherland, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 58.43Β°N, 4.07Β°W |
π Project Timeline
πΏ Environmental & Planning
Site on Strathy Bog SSSI required detailed peat hydrology assessment and compensatory habitat management. Golden eagle surveys were a significant part of the EIA.