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Statkraft submits application to extend Berry Burn Wind Farm
Plans for a proposed extension to Berry Burn Wind Farm in Moray have been submitted to the Scottish Government by renewable energy company Statkraft.
The proposed development is an extension to the operational Berry Burn Wind Farm located approximately eight kilometres south of Forres. The proposal includes adding 9 turbines to the existing 29 turbine wind farm, with a maximum height of 149.9 metres to blade tip. It is estimated the extension would generate electricity equivalent to the average annual consumption of over 35,500 homes and deliver additional community funding of £189,000 per year.
The company first proposed a 10 turbine scheme, with plans evolving over the past 18 months as feedback from the community and statutory bodies was received.
Mícheál Ó Broin, Senior Project Manager for Statkraft said: “We have completed all of the necessary surveys and planning work, as well as a community engagement plan which first started in December 2018. 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.”
“This project is a great example of the rapid advances in turbine technology. In 2014 we installed a 29 turbine wind farm, generating electricity for approximately 48,000 homes. Within a short space of time we are looking at a 9 turbine project which will provide for over 35,500 homes. Furthermore, because of this increased capacity, the extension would deliver roughly the same amount of community funding as the 29 turbines.” Mícheál added.
A wind farm of under 50 megawatts (MW) would normally be decided by Moray Council, however wind farm extensions are viewed in totality with the operational project (67MW), which means the application is made directly to Ministers of the Scottish Government. The full planning application documents can be viewed on the development website.
The existing Berry Burn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has delivered over £1.1 million for community projects since it started, including recent grants of over £6000 for emergency Covid-19 relief.
Last month Statkraft announced that construction of their first Greener Grid Park would be in Keith, Moray This £20 million world-leading project will facilitate increased usage of renewable energy on the grid network.
Statkraft is also a member of the Moray Chamber of Commerce and will be working with the trade body to maximise opportunities for local suppliers to get involved. Interested local suppliers are encouraged to register their capabilities on the development website.
Notes for Editors
About Berry Burn Wind Farm Extension
- Energy Consents Unit Reference: ECU00000718
- 9 turbines
- 149.9 metres to blade tip
- 37.8MW installed capacity
- Generating 139.1 Gigawatt hours (GWh) per year
- Equivalent to the average annual electricity demand of around 35,575 typical homes*
*based on 2018 Scotland average consumption of 3,910 kWh pa
About Statkraft UK
Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has 4000 employees in 17 countries.
In the UK Statkraft develops, owns and operates renewable production facilities and is also involved in the trading and origination of power from its own projects and those of third parties.
Since 2006, Statkraft has invested over £1.3 billion in the UK's renewable energy infrastructure and facilitated over 6 GW of new-build renewable energy generation through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). With a portfolio now exceeding 10 TWh per year from almost 300 customers, Statkraft is the leading provider of short and long term PPAs in the UK.
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