January 17, 2014
Scotland

Wind farm near Loch Ness gets go-ahead

by ALISTAIR MUNRO | The Scotsman | 17 January 2014 | www.scotsman.com

A 32-turbine wind farm near Loch Ness has been given the green light by the Scottish Government.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has granted planning consent for Bhlaraidh wind farm near Invermoriston in the Highlands.

The development, which will be developed by SSE Generation Limited, is to have 32 turbines with a generating capacity of up to 108 Megawatts, enough power to serve over 50,000 homes.

Mr Ewing said a significant number of jobs will be created during the construction phase, which will cost over £165 million.

Ongoing operation and maintenance is expected to support around 60 jobs, more than half of which will be based in the Highlands.

The project will provide approximately £13 million over 25 years for community benefit projects, including a sustainable energy fund and skills and training initiatives.

In addition, the developer SSE is working with partners on a development initiative for the Great Glen to provide a boost to the local community from the wind farm

Mr Ewing said: “The Bhlaraidh wind farm will create jobs both in its construction and during its lifetime, and once up and running will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. With this wind farm we will now be able to produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 50,900 homes.

“Wind farms like this provide considerable benefits to their local community, and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity demand generated from renewables.

“The Scottish Government wants to see the right developments in the right places, and Scottish planning policy is clear that the design and location of any wind farm should reflect the scale and character of the landscape, as well as being considered environmentally acceptable.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/17/wind-farm-near-loch-ness-gets-go-ahead/