RES has submitted Additional Information to the Scottish government in response to statutory consultation feedback, in support of its 106MW Hill of Fare wind farm proposal near Banchory.
The 16-turbine scheme originally entered planning in November last year and is predicted to deliver a £150m boost for the local economy.
In response to discussions with statutory consultees, RES has provided supporting evidence through the submission of Additional Information, such as ornithology and hydrology assessment work, initiating a further statutory consultation period.
The scheme utilises modern turbines up to 200-metres tall, which are now typical for new onshore wind farms, and has been designed to sit sensitively within the landscape, said RES.
If consented, the 105.6MW wind farm would be capable of generating clean, low-cost renewable electricity for around 101,000 homes each year, reducing the equivalent of 69,000 tonnes of carbon emissions based on the grid-mix of fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable generation, and is calculated to achieve carbon payback within 2.8 years.
“Hill of Fare Wind Farm is a carefully designed proposal which has been subject to detailed site assessment work and extensive public consultation,” said RES senior development project manager Gavin Shirley.
He added: “The Additional Information we have submitted responds thoroughly to key consultee feedback and further strengthens our planning application.”
“Alongside other renewable energy technologies, onshore wind is the cheapest form of new electricity generation. It enhances our energy security and is quick to build.
“It also supports a rapidly growing supply chain with predictions that by 2027 more than four times more people could be employed in the industry to support the construction and installation of onshore wind.”
“If consented, Hill of Fare Wind Farm would support over 200 construction jobs, helping to make an important contribution to the Scottish and local economy.”
The proposal is currently scheduled to go before Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee later this year before Scottish Ministers make a final determination.