UK - More than 215 MW of onshore wind energy approved in Scotland

The Scottish Government has approved two onshore wind farms and an extension to an existing one – adding up to a combined capacity of more than 215 megawatts (MW) of additional renewable energy.
The applications, which were approved last week, include a 118 MW, 33 turbine wind farm for Lewis – the first large scale wind farm in the Western Isles – and a 52.5 MW wind farm near Thurso. A 45 MW extension to the Rother wind farm near Elgin has also been given the greenlight. The combined projects should provide enough energy for 100,000 homes and create 240 construction jobs.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "These schemes are good for Scotland's low carbon economy and further examples of the action we need to take now to tackle climate change."

The Lewis wind farm at Muaitheabhal in the Western Isles will provide green electricity for 55,000 homes, nearly four times the number of homes on the islands. The developers, Beinn Mhor Power Ltd and Crionaig Power Application, which originally applied for planning consent in 2004, have agreed to use locally sourced material, labour, transport and plant hire wherever possible to ensure maximum economic benefit to the Isles. The developers will also pay percentages of their turnover to local trusts.

The Lewis wind farm has not been without its opponents. The John Muir Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting wild land, said the approval meant the erosion of "yet another area of stunning wildness. The 33 turbines, each at 145 metres high – taller than the London Eye – will have huge visual impacts on the view from key summits in the area". However, the Scottish Government says it had improved the visual impact of the scheme by removing six turbines from the original application.

Mr Mather said: "I am delighted that the application was able to be approved, bringing as it does substantial economic and community benefits to the islands.

"The development will use local companies and local labour and the community will receive a slice of profits for as long as the wind blows and the turbines turn [...] In consenting this application I have put in place a series of conditions to protect the outstanding natural habitats and landscapes, improve transport and minimise disturbance to communities.”

The other wind farm consent – the 52.5 MW Baillie wind farm near Thurso – will supply almost 25,000 homes and feed electricity in to the upgraded Beauly-Denny line. The £80 million scheme will create 30 jobs during construction with permanent local operation and maintenance jobs. The extension to the Rothes wind farm near Elgin, meanwhile, will boost capacity by an additional 45 MW, increasing the generating capacity from 50 MW to 95 MW. The extension will be capable of supplying over 20,000 homes. Around 60 construction jobs will be created, with permanent local operation and maintenance jobs.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net