Big expansion to Dunbar windfarm announced
A green energy operator is to expand a Scottish wind farm and double its workforce in a £22 million investment, it was announced today.
Natural Power won permission to build nine more turbines at the Crystal Rig site near Dunbar, East Lothian, adding to the 77 already constructed.
The firm will also create 50 new jobs at its global headquarters in Dalry, Dumfries and Galloway.
First Minister Alex Salmond, who officially opened the revamped offices, said the move completed “the most exciting” period in Scottish renewable energy.
Last week the SNP government approved a 152-turbine wind farm in Lanarkshire, the biggest onshore site in Europe.
Mr Salmond said: “I am delighted that Natural Power is growing as a company and growing in Scotland.
“It is hugely important to the rural economy of the south west of Scotland that such companies have their headquarters in places like Dalry.
“I wish both Natural Power and Crystal Rig a long and prosperous future in renewable energy in Scotland.”
Natural Power has more than 14,000mw of renewable energy projects on its books.
Mr Salmond said: “These developments help prove the Scottish economy’s resilience in challenging times and show that it is virtually certain that Scotland will now meet its target to generate 31% of electricity from renewable sources by 2011.”
Crystal Rig was first granted consent in June 2002 and has been expanded in three phases.
Natural Power has offices throughout the UK, France, western Canada and South America.
29 July 2008
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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