Requests Submitted for potential Energy Development in South Ayrshire
Renewable Energy Developer REG Power Management and Ireland’s part state-owned utility ESB have submitted to the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government a Request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion for an onshore wind farm proposal to be known as Knockodhar Wind Farm, located at a commercial forestry plantation site, 3.5km south west of Barr in South Ayrshire. A planning application for two possible locations on which to install a temporary Meteorological Mast has also been made to South Ayrshire Council.
REG Knockodhar Ltd, a joint venture between REG Power Management and ESB, is proposing to develop a project which will generate over 100MW of clean, green energy. The proposal, for which the Scoping Opinion is sought, is for up to 32 turbines, with tip heights of up to 200m. On this basis, the project would generate over 100MW of clean, green energy for a period of 35 years. The final number and capacity of the turbines will be influenced by a number of factors, including a variety of technical studies and surveys which are undertaken through the EIA process.
Project Director, Melvyn McKeown commented: “We are looking forward to developing this exciting project alongside communities well versed in wind farm development. We believe the Knockodhar Wind Farm would significantly contribute to meeting the Scottish Government’s challenging net-zero targets and, more importantly, provide a source of revenue for South Ayrshire communities, supporting the local economy to ensure a sustainable future.”
Energy storage will also be included in the plans in order to maximise the potential energy use on site. Mr McKeown added: “Energy storage on site helps with balancing the grid network when it’s very windy or at night when demand is lower, making onshore wind farms even more efficient.”
These issues, and many more, will be assessed as part of the EIA process, which will lead to the submission of a Section 36 application to the Scottish Government for consideration in 2021. South Ayrshire Council will be a statutory consultee in this process.
Following all Scottish Government guidance in relation to Covid-19, public consultation will be undertaken in due course using appropriate methods available at the time.
The developers behind REG Knockodhar Ltd are:
REG Power Management was established in 2005 and is a UK developer, owner and operator of renewable energy assets, having developed and built over 1GW of operational wind and solar projects.
ESB, Ireland’s part state-owned electricity utility company, who provide power to over 1.5million customers, including businesses and householders across Scotland and the rest of the UK. ESB has offices in Glasgow and, as well as operating onshore and offshore wind farms, is heavily involved in electric vehicle infrastructure and renewable heating systems, such as installing the low carbon heating and cooling system in the V&A Dundee.
Further information about the project along with all the project application documents can be found in the Documents section.