Scottish Ministers have approved an application by Fred Olsen Renewables to extend the Rothes I Wind Farm in Moray.
The plans, for an additional 28 turbines, will bring the total number of turbines at the site to 68 and deliver over 100MW of additional electricity.
Rothes Wind Farm is located approximately 4km west of Rothes and first became operational in 2005. The wind farm originally consisted of 22 turbines and was extended in 2012.
It currently generates 92MW and the decision today will bring the total capacity at the site to over 190MW.
The project has delivered over £1m in community benefit funds to groups in the area and the new plans will see more than £500,000 distributed annually locally – over £17.5m throughout the lifetime of the project.
Construction of the extension is anticipated to commence in 2026 with the project being fully operational by 2027.
The Rothes application was prepared submitted on behalf of Fred. Olsen Renewables by renewable energy consultancy and service provider, Natural Power.
Julie Aitken, Senior Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables commented: “We welcome today’s decision from the Scottish Government. Rothes Wind Farm has been operational for almost 20 years and during this time it has delivered considerable community benefit locally, helped to support the local economy and made a substantial contribution towards our net zero targets.
“Consenting the extension will allow us to build on this track record and work with the local community and stakeholder to make sure that Rothes Wind Farm continues to be an asset to the local area.”
Emily Galloway, Technical Director at Natural Power, said: “Natural Power’s Onshore Consenting and Environmental Impact Team team, along with input from various technical specialists, are proud to have supported Fred. Olsen Renewables in the successful consenting of a further extension to Rothes Wind Farm.
“This consent takes the existing legacy of the operational site, which has been a show case project for environmental and habitat management, forward for another 35 years.”