The proposed 99MW project represents a £200 million investment from SSE, including the purchase price, development costs, and capital costs.
The Dunmaglass windfarm, near Loch Mhor, 25km south of Inverness, received planning permission for 33 turbines in December 2010.
Off-site pre-construction work has already begun, and SSE expects full construction to begin later this year, with an expected completion date of early 2016 – meaning it will be eligible for support under the Renewables Obligation Certificate (ROC) regime,
It is predicted the windfarm will be able to run at load factors of more than 40 per cent, with a projected output of more than 350GWh per year, due to the area’s “exceptional” wind resource.
Jim Smith, managing director or renewables at SSE, said: “Dunmaglass is a well designed project which benefits from an excellent wind resource compared to typical onshore sites.
Smith added that SSE’s “long-standing commitment” to the local community and businesses will continue.
He said: “We intend to honour the commitments already made in connection with this project and ensure that real economic and social benefits flow into the area.”