The realisation of the project will mean even more clean energy, investment and community benefits for the region if the plans for the wind farm, submitted by Banks Renewables, are approved by the Scottish Government Energy Consents and Deployment Unit. The Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm, located south of Strathaven, would consist of 15 wind turbines, increasing the total capacity of the 41 turbine wind farm to 139 MW.
“The industry has undoubtedly been at the sharp end of some tough cutbacks and countless high-profile projects have been scrapped as a result” said Colin Anderson, development director at Banks Renewables. “
Colin Anderson. “We are therefore delighted to be putting forward this exciting opportunity to expand on the Kype Muir project. The development is extremely strong and on its own merit has the potential to drive substantially more investment into a region in real need of it. The council is clearly appreciative of the positive impact the project would have on the surrounding area and pleasingly it has not sought to change any elements of the detailed plan, which is now with the Scottish Government for approval.”
The extension would mean an increase in community partnership revenues from 1.5 percent of the total revenue of the Kype Muir development to 2.5 percent of the entire Kype Muir and Kype Muir Extension, with a guaranteed minimum of £5,000 per MW of energy generated. This would increase the total estimated local revenue from the combined 41 turbine Kype Muir project to £23 million over the 25 year life cycle of the wind farm, in addition to boosting local business.
Banks Renewables is working with the council and local communities through its Connect2Renewables Charter which will help to promote and support the local economy by creating jobs, skills and learning opportunities, supporting local businesses, local infrastructure and the environment. Construction of the extension should be complete by 2012.
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