Wind farm could see UK’s tallest turbines
PLANS have been unveiled to ‘repower’ a wind farm near New Cumnock - which, if approved, could feature the UK’s tallest turbines.
The ‘Hare Hill Repowering’ project, by Scottish Power Renewables (UK) (SPR), would feature approximately 27 turbines up to 250 metres tall if Scottish ministers give the scheme their blessing.
The current Hare Hill and Hare Hill Extension wind farms, on the border of East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, have 55 turbines between them, capable of generating 43.2 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
SPR says the 27 taller turbines would have the potential to deliver up to 150MW, enough to power the equivalent of 80,000 homes.
SPR has submitted a request for pre-application and environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping advice to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.
Because the generating capacity of the proposed operation is more than 50 megawatts, the power to grant permission lies with the Scottish Government, not with the local council.
However, both East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway will be asked for their views on the proposals.
A year ago, East Ayrshire councillors decided not to object to another proposed wind farm near New Cumnock, with similar turbine heights to that proposed by SR for its Hare Hill Repowering scheme.
Bank Renewables’ plans for the previously-consented Letham wind farm included proposed turbine heights of between 235 and 251 metres.
On its website, SPR states: “In excess of £11.5 million has been invested into communities in East Ayrshire.
“Repowering Hare Hill Windfarm and Hare Hill Extension will further increase community benefit funds available to neighbouring communities within Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire.
“Community benefit funds have led to the delivery of a diverse range of projects, which include environmental improvements, educational programmes, heritage projects, the purchase of community transport vehicles, provision of life saving defibrillators, investment in energy efficiency measures within community buildings, and much more besides.”
Community drop-in sessions are being held this month to allow the public to learn more and have their say on plans.
The first session takes places on Tuesday, April 16 from 2-7pm at the Miners Memorial Hall, Kirkconnel.
The second will take place on Wednesday, April 17 from 12-6pm at New Cumnock Town Hall.
If you are unable to attend, you can find more information about the project online.
Scottish Power’s project team can be contacted directly by emailing harehillrepower@ scottishpower.com.