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The Paul’s
Hill Wind Farm Receives Approval to Increase its Capacity.
As a result of the extension, the output of cleaner
electricity from the site has now been
increased to 65MW.
 The
Paul’s Hill wind farm, near Charleston of Abelour in Moray, has today
received approval to increase its capacity.
Scottish Ministers have approved the extension to provide an additional 9MW
of generated output, which will mean that once operational, the site will be
able to provide green electricity for up to 47,300 homes annually.
Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Allan Wilson said:
“We are committed to renewable energy and have set targets for renewable
electricity generation of 18 per cent and 40 per cent by 2010 and 2020
respectively.
“The decision on Paul’s Hill again illustrates the significant role that
wind power can play in helping us to meet these ambitious targets.
“As a result of the extension, the output of cleaner electricity from the
site has now been increased to 65MW, enough to meet the annual domestic
demand of 47,300 households.
“We are also seeking to ensure that our drive towards realising natural
renewable resources does not come at an unacceptable cost to the surrounding
environment. This decision was not taken lightly and followed a
comprehensive consultation process.
“This development delivers clear environmental benefits, but it is also an
important step towards securing Scotland’s position as a key player in the
development of a renewable energy sector in Europe”
Notes:
1. It is hoped that the original development will start generating
electricity in May, with the full site, including the expansion consented
today, coming on stream at the end of the year. There will be no increase in
the number of turbines, those on site will simply work harder to generate
more electricity.
2. The developer is Paul’s Hill Wind Limited who are a subsidiary company of
Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited, one of the largest wind power generating
companies in Scotland. Paul’s Hill Wind Limited is represented by Natural
Power Consultants who are currently developing other wind farms in Scotland.
3. In April 2003 the Executive granted consent for a 28 turbine wind farm
with a capacity of 56MW at the Paul’s Hill site. A further section 36
application was made in order to increase the output capacity. The
difference in output between the 2003 consented scheme and the scheme now
consented is 9MW, giving the site a total generating capacity of 65MW.
Paul’s Hill windfarm will now supply electricity to around 47,300 households
every year, compared to 37,850 prior to the extension.
4. Any proposal to construct, extend or operate a wind farm with a
generation capacity in excess of 50 MW requires consent under Section 36 of
the Electricity Act 1989. Such consents usually include deemed planning
permission in terms of Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning
(Scotland) Act 1997.
5. The Executive announced plans to produce 40 per cent of Scotland’s
electricity from renewable sources by 2020 in March 2003. Further details
can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/03/SEEN408.aspx
Contact: Stuart Lewis : 0131 244 2682
News Release: NREL
Internet:
www.scotland.gov.uk
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