Statkraft submits proposal to extend Moray wind farm
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PLANS to add a 9-turbine extension to a Moray wind farm have been lodged.
Statkraft is behind the proposals for Berry Burn, which lies around 8km south of Forres.
If approved by the Scottish Government, the 37.8MW extension would take the total number of turbines at the site up from 29 to 38.
Berry Burn Wind Farm became operational in 2014 and the new turbines – which would have a maximum height of 149.9 metres to blade tip – would be installed on adjacent land to the east.
The renewable energy company first proposed a 10-turbine scheme, with plans evolving over the past 18 months after consultation with communities and statutory bodies.
Statkraft senior project manager Mícheál Ó Broin said: "We have been fortunate to have received thoughtful, considered feedback and guidance from the community and many other stakeholders.
"As a result, our plan has evolved, and we believe it is even stronger than it was at the outset."
If consent is given, the 9-turbine extension would generate electricity for over 35,000 homes, have a 30-year lifespan and deliver additional community funding of £189,000 per year.
A wind farm of under 50MW would normally be decided by Moray Council, however extensions are viewed in totality with the operational project.
That means the application is made directly to Ministers of the Scottish Government, with the local authority a statutory consultee. The full planning application can be viewed on the development website or by visiting the Government's Energy Consents Unit.
Click here for more Moray news
