January 10, 2013
Scotland

Queries over link-up to grid

The Press and Journal | 10 January 2013 |

Developers planning to site a controversial windfarm in the Highlands said yesterday they could not guarantee how it would be connected to the national power network.

Wind Energy (Glenmorie) wants to erect 34 turbines with 20 miles of access tracks in the hills between Ardross and Ardgay to provide power to more than 66,000 homes. The application is due to be considered by a Highland Council planning committee following a site visit on Monday.

Due to the size of the scheme, Scottish ministers will decide whether it goes ahead. Council officers recommend raising no objection but some local residents and all the local community councils are against the windfarm.

The objectors claim Strath Rusdale will be swamped by the 410ft-high turbines if the plans are approved. They also fear overhead electricity lines will be erected to carry the power to the national grid.

Project director Steve Hunter said he did not know how the connection would be made to the grid – the design was the responsibility of Scottish Hydro.

He added: “We will very seriously engage with Scottish Hydro to try and minimise the visual impact as much as we can. There will be a lot more consultation with locals on the form of grid connection.”

Mr Hunter said he did not think the visual impact of the turbines was “unacceptable”.

Ardross Community Council chairman Peter Allen said: “Putting pylons down Strath Rusdale would be disastrous. All t he other windfarms in the area have undergrounded their cables but these people seem dead set against doing it and the only reason is money.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/10/queries-over-link-up-to-grid/