There is a clear, global mandate to increase the deployment of renewable energy to combat climate change, whilst decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and gas, particularly from politically sensitive regions of the world. It is in this context that Wind Estate is now seeking to increase its operational fleet of wind turbines, and we believe that Scotland is the right place for this to happen.

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The renewable sector is vital for reaching the Scottish Government’s ambitious carbon reduction targets outlined in National Planning Framework (NPF4) and the Onshore wind policy statement. In order for Scotland to achieve the legally binding goal of achieving net zero target by 2045, a further growth in renewable energy developments is necessary. Therefore, the Scottish Government has challenged the renewable energy industry to develop more onshore wind projects in the post-subsidy market. Wind Estate (UK) Ltd, recognise the national targets for renewable energy generation and the contribution which wind energy projects make in tackling climate change and reducing Scotland’s dependence on fossil fuels. With specific expertise, and a strong network of affiliates established in Scotland, Wind Estate are focused on developing and delivering more Scottish onshore wind farms.

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Wind Estate are continually seeking new sites suitable for development throughout Scotland, and have undertaken extensive site searching exercises to identify opportunities. The factors in assessing the potential suitability of a wind farm for Wind Estate include the following:

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• Wind Resource – a strong and reliable wind speed that will be sufficient for operating an efficient wind farm.

• Access – ensuring it is achievable to deliver the turbine components via the local road network.

• Grid connection – establishing a feasible means of connecting the project to the local or national electricity grid network.

• Environmental impacts – reviewing of site constraints and assessing potential environmental impacts.

• Technical impacts – this might relate to potential radar issues, or interference with microwave links. 

• Planning policy – careful consideration of national and local planning policies are considered before establishing the principle of a wind farm site.

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In the case of the Dunwan Dam land holding, this was identified as an opportunity to Wind Estate through one of our established professional relationships within the renewable energy industry and having undertaken careful diligence on potential extensions to existing wind farms, in this case, Whitelee Wind Farm. Wind Estate has quickly established a good working relationship with the land owner and the farmer, and are working to ensure that the needs of all parties are respected, and met, regarding part, present or future plans for the site.

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Wind Estate have undertaken an internal review of the site, assessing the potential for environmental and technical impacts, whilst also calculating the likely energy production of the site. Wind Estate are now comfortable that significantly adverse impacts can be mitigated and managed, and have identified suitable wind resource and the availability of the site to access grid infrastructure.

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We believe that the site offers an exciting opportunity to develop a wind farm project within an area in which wind farms are common and familiar. It is anticipated that the addition of the five further wind turbines can be comfortably accommodated within the site boundary, and would sit comfortably beside existing development, without significantly increasing the level of visual impact.

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In addition, the principle of accommodating wind farm development in this area has long been established and accepted due to the knowledge and understanding of the wind characteristics of the area, the close proximity to suitable transport corridors and availability of the electricity grid network.