Boralex welcomes Scottish Ministers’ approval of its plans for Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension. The approved project, located west of the operational Clashindarroch Wind Farm, will consist of up to 21 wind turbines and a 50-megawatt battery storage facility. It will contribute up to 188.6MW to Scotland’s renewable energy targets.
The project will deliver a wide range of community and economic benefits, including an up to £693,000-per-year community fund (index-linked over the life of the project, expected to be 40 years), created with the specific needs of the local community in mind. It is the intention that part of this money will be allocated to the following initiatives:
• Direct energy bill support of £1,849 annually and a one-off lump sum of up to £20,000 for home energy efficiency improvements for households within 5km of the turbines
• A £45,000-per-year Scholarship Fund, offering 15 scholarships in STEM and construction skills for students from Moray
The remainder of the Community Benefit Fund is to provide funding for local projects and initiatives, to be discussed with the local community. An up to £138,000-per-year Socio-Economic Fund will also be provided, administered by Moray Council, “for supply chain development, business support and community wealth building” (source: Moray Council).
This package reflects Boralex’s belief that renewable energy projects should deliver more than electricity alone – they should empower communities, create opportunities and leave a positive legacy for generations to come.
Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension has been designed carefully following extensive environmental and landscape studies. These have mitigated the environmental effects of what has now been consented as an acceptable and responsible development. The site, covering approximately 882 hectares of upland heather moor, will continue to be managed with sensitivity to its natural surroundings and significant biodiversity enhancement will be created.
Esbjorn Wilmar, Vice President Boralex UK, commented:
“Our company is strongly committed to long-term investment in Scotland as part of our 2030 Strategy, underpinned by a shared desire for a transition to net zero that prioritises local economic prosperity. This can be seen in the first project in our Scottish portfolio, Limekiln Wind Farm near Thurso, which represents £29.5m of construction expenditure in the Scottish economy, of which £8.4m was spent locally in Caithness.”
Mr Wilmar continued: “We believe the package of community benefits will make a tangible and positive difference to the community and we wish to be constructive and long-standing partners on the road to net zero in the interests of all involved.
Boralex looks forward to working closely with the local community, stakeholders, and government partners to deliver this project and contribute meaningfully to Scotland’s renewable energy future.”