OnPath Energy is starting public consultations for a wind project in Scotland.
Locals in East Ayrshire can soon attend the first of two rounds of public exhibitions for the proposed eight-turbine wind farm in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area.
OnPath Energy recently submitted a scoping report for the project located within Netherthird on the Garleffan and Grievehill open-cast coal mine.
The first exhibition will take place at New Cumnock Bowling Club on 22 April followed by a second event at Logan Day Centre on 23 April and a final session at Netherthird Community Centre on 24 April.
OnPath Energy’s partnerships and community manager Aileen McCreadie, said: “We’re keen for as many residents as possible to come along to the upcoming exhibitions and be part of shaping what this wind farm could look like.
“These sessions are a crucial step for us, we’re not here to simply present plans, we’re here to listen, to understand local priorities, and where possible to reflect them in the final proposals.
“We want to hear from as many members of the community as possible, whether you have ideas for new walking routes, thoughts on what local residents need most, or concerns you’d like to share. We’re here to listen, start conversations, and take meaningful action.”
The proposed wind farm, situated 3.5 km to the East of Netherthird, could feature up to eight turbines, each with a maximum tip height of 250 metres.
If given the go-ahead, the project has the potential to generate up to 161.5GWh of electricity each year, while also providing a minimum of £5000 per megawatt annually in community funding.
OnPath is committed to shared ownership across all its new onshore wind projects, offering local communities 1% free equity, with the opportunity to invest further at market value as part of its OnPath Together development approach.
Ewan Robertson, project manager for the Cumnock and Doon Valley wind farm proposal said: “These exhibitions are a key milestone in our journey, giving us the chance to speak directly with the people who know this area best.”
A second consultation round will be held later in the year.