Vattenfall is to seek planning consent for two new major onshore wind farms in South West Scotland which could feature up to 56 wind turbines 250 metres in height.
The Swedish energy major has submitted scoping reports for a 35-machine project at Whiteneuk and a 21-machine project at Quantans Hill and is exploring the potential for both projects to feature battery storage.
The Whiteneuk wind farm project would be situated around 5km south of Moniaive while the Quantans Hill wind farm site is around 2km to the north-east of Carsphairn village.
Vattenfall said it was taking the two projects further and added that it was keen to start researching and prioritising views from the local community to help shape their proposals.
The news comes a week after the award of the principal contractor role for its 240MW South Kyle wind farm, also in south west Scotland, to RJ McLeod.
Vattenfall’s UK onshore wind development director Frank Elsworth said: “South West Scotland has the potential to become a green energy hub.
“South Kyle, Quantans Hill and Whiteneuk can play a major part in helping to power Scotland towards net zero and provide green shoots of recovery from the economic damage of Covid-19.
“Vattenfall wants to work with local communities, suppliers and partners to not only co-ordinate how our investments might benefit specific localities, but also to explore and create significant opportunities for South West Scotland.”
Vattenfall’s local liaison officer for the region Carol Kane added: “Although these proposals are at an early stage, we are keen to hear from local communities at the earliest opportunity.”
“Over the coming months, we will be liaising with community groups and representatives to discuss the proposals and take comments, questions and suggestions.”