This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Moray windfarm to be expanded
18/01/2006
The Paul's Hill wind farm, near Charleston of Abelour in Moray, has today received approval to increase its capacity.
Scottish Ministers have approved the extension to provide an additional 9MW of generated output, which will mean that once operational, the site will be able to provide green electricity for up to 47,300 homes annually.
Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Allan Wilson said:
"We are committed to renewable energy and have set targets for renewable electricity generation of 18 per cent and 40 per cent by 2010 and 2020 respectively.
"The decision on Paul's Hill again illustrates the significant role that wind power can play in helping us to meet these ambitious targets.
"As a result of the extension, the output of cleaner electricity from the site has now been increased to 65MW, enough to meet the annual domestic demand of 47,300 households.
"We are also seeking to ensure that our drive towards realising natural renewable resources does not come at an unacceptable cost to the surrounding environment. This decision was not taken lightly and followed a comprehensive consultation process.
"This development delivers clear environmental benefits, but it is also an important step towards securing Scotland's position as a key player in the development of a renewable energy sector in Europe."
It is hoped that the original development will start generating electricity in May, with the full site, including the expansion consented today, coming on stream at the end of the year. There will be no increase in the number of turbines, those on site will simply work harder to generate more electricity.
The developer is Paul's Hill Wind Limited who are a subsidiary company of Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited, one of the largest wind power generating companies in Scotland. Paul's Hill Wind Limited is represented by Natural Power Consultants who are currently developing other wind farms in Scotland.
In April 2003 the Executive granted consent for a 28 turbine wind farm with a capacity of 56MW at the Paul's Hill site. A further section 36 application was made in order to increase the output capacity. The difference in output between the 2003 consented scheme and the scheme now consented is 9MW, giving the site a total generating capacity of 65MW. Paul's Hill windfarm will now supply electricity to around 47,300 households every year, compared to 37,850 prior to the extension.
Any proposal to construct, extend or operate a wind farm with a generation capacity in excess of 50 MW requires consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Such consents usually include deemed planning permission in terms of Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.