SSE Drops Two Scottish Windfarms

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland) - Scottish energy major, SSE plc (Perth, Scotland), continues to overhaul its energy portfolio with a decision to drop two proposed onshore windfarm projects with a combined generating capacity of almost 120-megawatts (MW).

The company announced that it has withdrawn its planning applications for the Dalnessie wind farm (81 MW) in Sutherland and the proposed extension to Fairburn wind farm (36MW) in Glen Orrin, Ross-shire. On reviewing both proposals, the company concluded that "continued investment in progressing them is no longer financially viable".

Colin Nicol, SSE Director of Onshore Renewables, said: "SSE continues to have a good pipeline of very strong onshore renewable developments across Scotland. Each project is dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the decision to end Dalnessie and Fairburn Extension means that we can redirect resource onto the best projects in our portfolio, ensuring they more effectively deliver the best value renewable energy for the consumer and SSE, consistent with our commitment to being a responsible developer."

The news comes less than a month after SEE received the green light for a 108 MW onshore windfarm in the Scottish Highland from the Scottish government. The €201 million ($273 million) Bhlaraidh project will have 32 turbines capable of powering over 50,000 homes in the area. Located 4-kilometres (km) north-west of Invermoriston, it forms a key part of Scotland's drive to generate all of its power from renewables by 2020. . For additional information, see January 31, 2014, article - Scottish Highlands Windfarm Green Lit.

The decision to drop the Dalnessie and Fairburn projects comes on the heels of a recent series of announcements by the company to re-prioritise its investments in energy projects and reduce the cost of its existing fossil-fuel based generation portfolio. The company has previously citied challenging market conditions and stricter emissions legislation for its decisions. Last month SSE announced plans to shut two coal-fired plants in the U.K. under new European Union (E.U.) emissions regulations rather than invest in modernising both plants to extend their lives. The plants include the 2,000-megawatt (MW) Ferrybridge plant in West Yorkshire and the 240-MW Uskmouth plant in Gwent - the U.K.'s oldest and least efficient coal-fired power station. For additional information, see January 13, 2014, article - SSE to Shut Two U.K. Coal-Fired Plants.

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