United Kingdom – The potential for a new wind farm on moorland in Berwickshire’s Lammermuir Hills is being investigated.
Surveys and assessments will be conducted in 2022 to see if a wind farm capable of generating up to 100 megawatts (MW) of green energy can be built, resulting in significant investment in community projects throughout the area. For the potential scheme on land owned by Roxburghe Estates, EDF Renewables UK has launched a scoping process to determine the content of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) in support of any future planning application.
The proposed Dunside wind farm is located on moorland about 1 km east of the existing Fallago Rig wind farm, allowing it to take advantage of the existing grid connection and access infrastructure. For scoping the EIA, up to 20 turbines with a tip height of up to 260 meters will be considered, but the final design will take into account feedback from local residents and other environmental data gathered for the EIA.
Scottish economy boost
Should the wind farm go ahead, it would make a significant contribution to Scotland’s net-zero goal by 2045 while also boosting the Scottish economy by increasing green energy supply. Around 60,000 homes could be powered by the wind farm’s low-carbon electricity. EDF Renewables UK would generate an annual fund of £5,000 per MW for investment in community projects in the Scottish Borders, based on Scottish Government guidelines.
EDF Renewables UK will soon begin a comprehensive consultation process with local residents. The Dunside Wind Farm project team hopes to hold a number of face-to-face events at local venues later this month to outline the plans and listen to local residents’ opinions, assuming that relevant COVID 19 restrictions do not apply.
