Local exhibitions will allow resident to view final designs
EDF Renewables UK is finalising its application for a wind farm and battery storage system near Watten, with a round of public exhibitions taking place in the coming weeks to give residents the chance to view the final designs.
The proposed seven turbine Watten wind farm would have a total generating capacity of up to 47.6MW along with 20MW battery storage system. Lying approximately 3km to the southwest of Watten it would generate enough electricity to power around 25,000* homes.
EDF Renewables UK is one of the leading developers of onshore wind in the UK and operates 10 onshore wind farms across Scotland, including Corriemoillie wind farm in Ross-shire.
Watten wind farm would consist of seven turbines, with tip heights of up to 220m.
Following extensive consultation with local residents and stakeholders, EDF Renewables UK has amended the design for the project. This has included:
- Reducing the number of turbines from eight to seven
- Relocating some turbines to avoid areas of deep peat
- Committing to building “floating” tracks in areas of peat deeper than 70cm, rather than the standard 100cm, in order to better protect the peat
- Minimising the number of trees being cleared using keyholing, where individual trees are removed, rather than the more tradition clear felling approach
- Improving recreational access, with specific proposals to be agreed with the local community, but could include a looped path network, bird hide and information panels
Two local public exhibitions will provide the opportunity for people to view the final designs and speak to the project team. The exhibitions will take place Monday 26 June at Spittal Village Hall, Spittal, KWI 5XR and on Tuesday 27 June at Watten Village Hall, Watten, KW1 5YJ. Both events will take place from 3pm to 7pm.
Sarah Dooley, Principal Project Development Manager in Scotland for EDF Renewables UK said: “Throughout the process of developing this wind farm we have met with local people on a number of occasions to listen to their thoughts and concerns and readily answer their questions.
“We held a second round of public exhibitions last year to speak to local people in person and gather their feedback on the proposed designs. We are about to submit our planning application, which will be advertised in the local media to allow local people the opportunity to comment on our plans. We wanted to make sure they had the full information on the application before they responded.
“If consented, this project will be a key milestone in accelerating a net zero future and tackling climate change.”
Once submitted and registered the application will be advertised locally in local newspapers and available to view locally for those who wish to make representations.
Anyone unable to attend the in-person exhibitions can view the exhibition information on the Watten wind farm webpage www.edf-re.co.uk/our-sites/watten after the events.
Ends
Notes to Editors
*Based upon the average domestic electricity consumption per home per the Energy Consumption in the UK (published July 2021, Table C9 of ECUK: Consumption data tables)
For more information contact Ruth Shewan, External Affairs Manager for Scotland for EDF Renewables UK: ruth.shewan@edf-re.uk.
