The 54 turbine extension is expected to have a generation capacity of around 162MW, depending on turbine rating. The site is located to the north-east of the 350MW operational Clyde wind farm creating a natural in-fill between the north and central sections of the existing site.
Colin Nicol, SSE’s Lead Director of Wholesale Generation Development, said: "We are pleased to have secured consent for the Clyde extension project; an important development in our portfolio. In our responsible approach to developing this project we worked closely with local communities and stakeholders to listen and act upon their concerns, we reduced the number of turbines and their location and tip height and we will use existing wind farm infrastructure where possible to minimise any impact.
"This project is expected to bring significant benefits to the region through direct and indirect employment, skills training and over £20m of long-term support for community projects from the community benefit fund. During the construction phase, we estimate that the project could contribute as much as £121.1m to the Scottish economy and is expected, on average, to support around 500 jobs in Scotland through our supply chain contracts.
"We will continue to keep the local community, local businesses and local stakeholders updated as we work to progress with development and address the planning conditions associated with the consent to enable us to make our final investment decision later this year."
The existing Clyde wind farm comprises 152 turbines and construction was completed in 2011.
