Listen
Windfarm extension approved
14/09/2009
A new wind farm in Sutherland has been given approval to extend.
The eight turbine extension to the Kilbraur wind farm near Golspie will increase capacity from 47.5 Megawatts (MW) to 67.5 MW.
When fully operational, the wind farm will provide electricity for around 31,000 homes.
The extension will create around 30 jobs during construction.
Speaking at the Sutherland Summit in Lairg, Energy Minister Jim Mather said:
"Renewable energy is driving Scotland's economic recovery. The Kilbraur wind farm will provide construction jobs, green energy, reduced emissions and lasting community benefits - a model of the low carbon opportunities we can exploit for economic and environmental benefit.
"There is a vast renewables potential here, especially in the power of the Pentland Firth. Along with a lasting infrastructure and skills base from Dounreay, I am today discussing what more we can do to create and maintain lasting opportunities for the north Highland economy."
In March 2009, Kilbraur Wind Energy Limited applied for consent for an extension to the Kilbraur wind farm, which has 19 turbines with a maximum capacity of 47.5 MW. This extension takes the operating capacity over 50 MW, thus requires the consent of Ministers.
Highland Council supported the development. 21 public representations were received during the consultation period - 18 supported the development and three objected to the development.
The Scottish Government's Energy Consents and Deployment Unit is currently processing 35 renewable applications.
The Scottish Government has determined 31 energy applications, including approval for 25 renewable and one non-renewable project since May 2007 - more determinations than over the whole of the previous four years, in which 19 projects were determined.
Scottish Government targets are to meet 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020, and an interim target of 31 per cent by 2011.