Ardonald Renewables
About this Project
Ardonald Renewables is Empower Projects’ flagship Scottish development, a 200 MW transmission-connected hybrid project combining 280 MWp of solar, 200 MW of battery energy storage, and 200 MW of wind generation in rural Aberdeenshire.
The project targets a 2033 connection to SSEN Transmission’s North of Scotland network and represents one of the most significant multi-technology renewable energy proposals in northeast Scotland. A full Gate 2 submission covering the entire solar, BESS, and wind capacity has been accepted, and land options have been secured for the core site. Additional land for the wind component has been identified and is under active discussion with landowners, reflecting the project’s ambition to maximise the site’s combined renewable potential across both high-irradiance and high-wind resources.
Planning Status and Milestones
Planning has not yet commenced. At 200 MW, the project requires a Section 36 consent from Scottish Ministers through the Energy Consents Unit, rather than determination by Aberdeenshire Council. Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment and pre-application consultation programme is anticipated in advance of the 2033 connection target. Land title reports are available to the extent of current ownership determination, and searches are ongoing. Additional wind land discussions with landowners are progressing.
Connection Details
The project connects to SSEN Transmission’s North of Scotland 132kV or 275kV network, with a current grid offer value of £17.2 million and a gross asset value of £12 million for the transmission connection. Export and import capacity are both 200 MVA. A full Gate 2 submission covering all three technology components has been accepted. The nearest significant transmission infrastructure runs through the Huntly-Keith corridor, with SSEN actively investing in grid reinforcement across Aberdeenshire to accommodate the north’s growing renewable capacity.
Site and Surrounding Area
The site is located in the Strathbogie area of rural Aberdeenshire, approximately 8 miles west of Huntly at approximately 200-300m elevation on gently rolling upland agricultural land. The area occupies Dalradian limestone geology and is surrounded by mixed arable and pastoral farming. Ardonald Lime Works is a recorded historic site within the vicinity, and the Woodland Trust maintains a significant forestry holding at Ardonald itself. The combination of elevation, northeast Scotland’s wind resource, and reasonable solar irradiance at this latitude makes the site well-suited to hybrid solar-wind generation. The nearest village is Glass, with Huntly serving as the primary local centre.
Current Status
Planning
Not
Started
Land
Options Signed (Core Site) /
Discussions Ongoing (Wind Land)
Grid Offer
Offer Accepted (Full
Gate 2 Submitted)
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