OnPath Energy, previously known as Banks Renewables, has received approval for a wind farm extension in Scotland.
Taking feedback from community consultations onboard, OnPath Energy will now be installing a further 10 turbines at its 132MW Lethan’s site.
The additional turbines are up to 251m tall and up to 170m in diameter making them the tallest onshore wind turbines consented in the UK to date, OnPath said.
They will be added to the 22 turbines that were originally approved for the project.
Just outside of New Cumnock, East Ayrshire, the 60MW site extension will maximise the wind farm’s efficiency in providing low cost, low carbon electricity to energy consumers.
Robin Winstanley (pictured), sustainability and environment director at OnPath Energy, said: “With sustainability and climate change being such a pressing, global issue, we are thrilled that our Lethans Wind Farm extension application has been approved.
“The additional turbines at the site will bring a wealth of environmental, social and economic benefits to the local community, creating a £9m community fund to be distributed to local initiatives around the area.
“Renewable technologies enable us to generate clean energy that has a lower environmental impact than conventional technologies and we are very proud that the Lethans Wind Farm extension will only add to this.”
Lethans is expected to deliver 400 jobs during the construction phase, with the project supporting even more indirectly through its wider supply chain.
Winstanley added: “When designing the wind farm extension, it was really important for us to keep the community front of mind and this is why we have involved them in every step of the way.
“There is still a long way to go in the fight against climate change, however we are looking forward to ensuring that we continue developing plans for renewable energy production as we work towards the country’s ambitious net zero targets.”
This wind farm extension project will be the latest success for OnPath Energy, following on from the original approval secured for the Lethans Wind Farm in 2020 and the Mill Rig Wind Farm in late 2023.