Planning application submitted for 'Kirkton Energy Park' - an 11-turbine wind farm south of Melvich
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A PLANNING application has been submitted to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit for a 53mw wind farm and battery storage unit in an agricultural area on the north coast.
The 11-turbine “Kirkton Energy Park” is set to be constructed across two working farms around 2.1km south of Melvich, and is a joint proposal between Wind 2 Limited and companies managed by Octopus Energy Generation.
The 149.9m tall turbines would be accompanied by a 20mw battery storage unit. and would power around 49,000 average UK households.
As it is above the 50mw threshold, the wind farm application will be decided by the Scottish Government, although Highland Council is a statutory consultee.
Wind 2 development director Fraser Mackenzie said: “Scotland’s goal is for a fully decarbonised energy system by 2045. Kirkton Energy Park is exactly the type of scheme that can help us achieve that and tackle climate change while securing our energy supply.”
The energy park’s community benefit fund would provide £260,000 per annum.
“A portion of the fund will go towards the electricity costs of those living nearest the site,” said Mr Mackenzie. "We’re looking at two options, either a £400 annual contribution towards people’s electricity bills for the lifetime of the energy park, or a lump sum grant of £4,500, which could be used to install energy efficiency measures.
“We’re also offering local communities the opportunity to acquire up to a 10 per cent share of the project. We’re currently drawing up a Memorandum of Understanding and working with community groups to set out the proposed terms."
A public consultation period, during which members of the public can submit representations regarding the energy park, runs until January 27.
The application documents, including the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, can be viewed on the application website at https://kirktonwindfarm.co.uk or at www.energyconsents.scot (file reference number ECU00003244).
Hard copies of the documents are available for public inspection in person, free of charge at the Highland Council Wick office and the Thurso Library, during the opening hours of those facilities. A hard copy is also available at the Halladale Inn until December 16, when the inn closes for the season.
Comments can be made via the Sottish Government Energy Consents Unit website; by email to: representations@gov.scot; or by post to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Brommielaw, Glasown G2 8LU.
