Dealing with Energy Issues

The need for more renewable energy sources is greater than ever. Rising power prices, fears over security of supply and climate change have put the issue of energy high in everyone’s mind. Maximising power output from existing and new wind energy sites will be key in tackling these issues. Existing wind farms are being repowered and new sites developed using improved technology and higher capacity turbine models. The candidate wind turbine models for Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension would have a generating capacity of up to 6.6 megawatts (MW) each, more than three times the capacity of the turbines installed at the existing Clashindarroch Wind Farm. In combination with the 50MW energy storage array, the project as proposed would deliver up to 195.2MW of renewable energy generation and storage. The wind turbines would generate enough electricity to meet the annual demand of up to 108,055 average UK households every year, and replace the emissions of 174,956 tonnes of carbon, had the electricity otherwise been supplied by fossil fueled generators (source: RenewableUK).

Higher capacity wind turbines are taller in order to catch a greater wind resource and produce significantly more electricity. Around the world, turbines of 200m and higher are becoming commonplace. Turbine manufacturers are following this global market trend and removing the smaller turbine models (<150 m) from their production lines.

Community

Construction jobs

Wind energy developments provide job opportunities for Scottish businesses. Comprising up to 22 wind turbines and a 50MW battery energy storage facility, the investment for the Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension project would be significant, creating a potential boost for the local economy.

Community Benefit Fund

At the heart of Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension is a commitment to the local community. Boralex has developed a comprehensive community fund created with the needs of the local community in mind, comprising £726,000 per year over 40 years, totalling over £29m (index-linked).

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 £145,000-per-year Socio-Economic Fund, administered by Moray Council, for supply chain development, business support and community wealth building.
  • 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. This package reflects Boralex’s belief that renewable energy projects should deliver more than clean power – they should empower communities, create opportunities and leave a positive legacy for generations to come.