Windfarm work gets underway
New turbines being built
Work is underway on the construction of a new windfarm in West Lothian.
Work on the first towers has begun at Muirhall Energy’s Tormywheel Windfarm, south of Fauldhouse and Breich.
Turbine component deliveries began recently, however, blades will not be fixed until early 2017 when a new radar is commissioned at Edinburgh Airport.
The radar is being built to ensure that the moving turbines are not confused with aircraft on the radar screen.
Component s a re currently being delivered to the site at off peak times from Rosyth docks via the M9/M8, through Livingston and along the A71/A704 to the site.
Due to the closure of the rail bridge in West Calder, the abnormal loads will be rerouted to travel from the M8 via Whitburn and down the A706 from the beginning of January.
The 15 Senvion MM92 turbines will each stand at 111 metres tall, and will have a total generating capacity of 30.75MW.
Colin Williams, Muirhall Energy’s director of wind development, said that while it will be some time until work is complete, he is pleased by how the construction is progressing so far.
He said: “There is still some way to go, however we are pleased that this milestone has been met safely and proficiently.”
When fully operational in spring 2017, the 15 turbine Tormywheel will, on average, generate enough power every year to meet the equivalent electricity demand of around 25,000 West Lothian homes.
A community benefit fund is also being proposed from the new development.
This is in line with the Scottish Government Good Practice principles for Community Benefits and contributions are already being made to groups within the area.
Payments f rom windfarms previously have been presented to such organisations as Fauldhouse Community Development Trust, Stonehouse and Bents Future Vision Group and Fauldhouse Children’s Gala.
For more information on the community benefit scheme contact communitybenefit@ muirhallenergy.co.uk or call the Muirhall Energy office on 01501 785088.