A 155MW Scottish wind farm operated by Hamilton-based Banks Renewables has been described as a “perfect example” of how to ensure the local community benefits.
Speaking at the launch of a new Scottish Government consultation on onshore wind policy, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson praised Kype Muir Wind Farm for its positive impact on the local community.
The 26-turbine development was chosen by the Scottish Government as the location to launch the Government’s new draft onshore wind policy consultation, that outlines its ambitions to boost current 8.4GW onshore wind energy capacity by a further 8-12GW by 2030.
Work is currently underway on a 15-turbine extension to Kype Muir.
Once this extension has been built it will further increase the economic, social and environmental benefits the development will produce.
More than £750,000 (€884,000) per year will go towards community benefit initiatives and there will be a total investment into the Scottish economy of over £180m.
Matheson said: “The way Banks Renewables developed Kype Muir wind farm, working closely with the local community in line with its development with care approach, is a perfect example of how onshore wind farms should be built to ensure that the local community benefits as much as possible from the development that it is hosting.
“The discussions at COP26 in Glasgow highlight that we need more onshore wind farms like Kype Muir Wind Farm, built in partnership with the local community to both achieve net zero and help local communities prosper – particularly in industrial areas.
“Kype Muir extension will see the UK’s tallest onshore wind turbines, which are very efficient therefore generate huge amounts of low cost green electricity.
“This will further advance Scotland on its journey to net zero.
“The wind farm’s community fund is supporting good causes and local community councils through Banks’ Connect2Renewables approach.
“This prioritises local contractors wherever possible and has meant that local jobs and training have been supported too.”
Banks Renewables development director Andrew Liddell said: “It was a pleasure to host the minister and our valued guests and representatives from local community groups and contractors and give them a tour of Kype Muir.
“To get recognition from a cabinet secretary – and for our wind farm development to be selected to host such an important policy launch – is a real honour.
“It’s a huge credit to those who helped to deliver it, in particular the local community who really helped ensure the surrounding areas voice was heard and that the wider benefits from the windfarm are targeted where they can make a real difference.”
Located 7.5km south of Strathaven, Kype Muir extension will become the UK’s first onshore wind farm with 200m-tall turbines.