Scotland approves 16-turbine wind farm in Highlands
Scotland approves 16-turbine wind farm in Highlands | Windpower Monthly
The Scottish Government has granted development consent to ESB, for the 16-turbine, 96MW Chleansaid wind farm.
Planned for a site near Lairg, in the Scottish Highlands, the development will also feature a 20MW battery energy storage scheme.
ESB Project Director, Duncan Scott, said: “We’re excited to bring Chleansaid into our portfolio of wind farms across the UK and Ireland. [It] will significantly benefit the energy decarbonisation of Scotland and the UK and will help boost the local economy. We estimate that £17.6 million will be spent in the Highlands and approximately £54.2 million in Scotland as a whole.”
RSK coordinated the EIA process. Its project manager, Joe Somerville, said the on-site battery storage would contribute to a reduction in energy curtailment and provide grid stability.
Construction is due to begin in 2026, with grid connection and the start of operations set for 2027.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: wind
Decades of government support for the development of wind energy has resulted in lower costs and a rapidly growing share of electricity generated by wind turbines. Wind in 2019 accounted for 7.3 percent of electrical generation, surpassing for the first time hydropower at 7.0 percent.