Vattenfall has been given the green light to build the 50-turbine South Kyle wind farm in southwest Scotland.
Ministers issued the all clear for the 170MW project in East Ayrshire and Galloway after four years in planning.
Vattenfall will offer local communities an up to 5% stake in the project in addition to the benefit of £5000 per megawatt per annum.
Head of development Guy Mortimer said: “This decision is good news for Scotland’s climate change targets and for local people and businesses. The benefits of this project can be significant and wide ranging.”
Vattenfall said it will consider the consent decision in detail before confirming the forward schedule. “Of course there is a long way to go before Vattenfall is able to construct and operate this wind farm,” it said.
South Kyle is located near Dalmellington, Patna, New Cumnock and Carsphairn. It was subject to a public local inquiry in late 2015 following a planning application in 2013.
Image: the Vattenfall portfolio in Scotland includes Clashindarroch (reNEWS)
Vattenfall victory at South Kyle
170MW wind farm in southwest Scotland will feature 50 turbines
By EBS