Scotland Approves New Wind Farm

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Scotland approved the construction of a new 64.6 MW wind farm in the country’s south, while at the same time refusing the construction of another.

Scotland’s Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing, announced on Monday that consent had been given to PNE WIND UK Limited to construct a wind farm of 19 turbines with an installed capacity of 64.6 MW, to be located on land in Kennoxhead, south of Glespin in South Lanarkshire.

According to the press release provided by the Scottish Government, PNE’s community energy commitment is likely to benefit the Glespin community by £8 million over the 25 year operating period.

“The wind farm in Kennoxhead will bring considerable benefits to the local community as well as having the capacity to power an estimated 30,208 homes,” said Fergus Ewing. “I am determined to ensure communities all over Scotland reap the benefit from renewable energy, which will help to reduce climate emissions.”

“We have been clear that wind farms can only be built in the right places, and that proposed developments are subject to strict planning laws,” Mr Ewing continued. “Our policy strikes a careful balance between utilising Scotland’s significant renewable energy resources whilst protecting our finest scenic landscapes and natural heritage.

“Each application is considered on its merits which is why I have refused permission for the proposed wind farm at Limekiln in line with the Reporter’s recommendation.”

The refused wind farm was the Limekiln Wind Farm, set to be developed in Caithness.

The news comes only a few days after the latest figures released showed that the Scottish wind industry’s electricity ouput more than doubled in June, compared to the same time a year earlier. And while these figures are still down on May’s figures — a season variation — June’s figures still astounded many.