The Scottish Government has given approval to build a controversial wind farm following years of campaigning and inquiries.
Multi-millionaire landowner Christopher Moran has been granted permission to build 59 wind turbines on his 40,000-acre Glenfiddich estate in Speyside, Moray, despite strong opposition from local residents and organisations.
Official approval for the 177MW Dorenell wind farm was confirmed today by Scotland's Energy Minister Fergus Ewing despite years of wrangling and campaigning, which included a powerful coalition of local businesses, including two whisky distilleries, William Grant & Sons and Glenfarclas, as well as the famed shortbread makers, Walkers of Aberlour.
The Cairngorm National Park Authority also strongly objected to the development, which is just two kilometres outside the park boundary. It said it was concerned about the wind farm’s impact on the landscape and the dangers it poses to eagles.
The huge renewable energy project is being developed by Dutch firm, Infinergy, and will have the capacity to generate enough electricity to power 84,000 homes.
Today's announcement revealed the project will see a capital investment of over £250 million, generating at least £93 million in direct benefits for the Scottish economy. Around 75 jobs will be created in construction, with further maintenance jobs once operational.
Infinergy has also committed to deliver long lasting community benefits, worth around £350,000 per year, including new housing and tourism opportunities through a new visitor centre.
A second Scottish wind farm project has also been given the go-ahead today. The six turbine, 21MW extension to the 104MW Muaitheabhal wind farm on the Eisgein estate in Lewis will add capacity to power an additional 9,000 homes.
The Muaitheabhal Community Windfarm Trust will benefit from a share of the revenue generated by the privately owned element of the consented Muaitheabhal wind farm and extension, and the developer will also pay a portion of its annual revenue to the Western Isles Development Trust.
Ministers have now consented 50 energy applications since 2007.
Scotland's Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "These two projects will provide a significant boost to the economy and to our efforts to become a green energy powerhouse.
"Once up and running, the Dorenell wind farm will produce enough green electricity to power double the number of homes in Moray, creating new jobs and cutting emissions. The development will provide a new visitor centre and stimulate wider regeneration, and help protect the environment through fisheries and habitat management plans.
"The Muaitheabhal extension will see extra capacity added to the existing plans and both developments will play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity demand coming from renewables by 2020.
"Crucially, I am pleased to see local communities profiting from Scotland's vast natural resources through community benefit agreements that will keep money in our communities."
alan la noue , n.y.s.12309 around 4 months, 1 week ago