Dumfries and Galloway residents are being invited to give their input to Vattenfall’s proposals for two onshore wind developments and provide feedback on how community investment can support local priorities.
Last month, energy company Vattenfall announced it is exploring the potential for two wind farms in south west Scotland as part of their drive to enable fossil free living within a generation. The proposed projects – a 35 turbine wind farm at Whiteneuk approximately 5km south of Moniaive, and a 21 turbine wind farm at Quantans Hill 2km north east of Carsphairn – are at early stages, with detailed environmental impact assessments now underway and opportunities for locals to input to the design, raising any issues they feel the development should take into consideration. Vattenfall are also keen to hear views on how the developments could support local investment priorities such as skills development, housing, transport or environmental projects.
Carol Kane, Vattenfall’s Regional Liaison Officer for South West Scotland, explains: “Both projects are at an early stage, and over the coming months we be will exploring their potential, not only for energy generation, but also for how these investments could benefit local communities. Rather than waiting for covid-19 restrictions to lift, we wanted to start providing opportunities for local feedback as early as possible and so have created two online surveys – one for each proposal. They explore views on climate change and renewables, and more specifically on what issues local people feel Vattenfall should address as we develop our proposals.
“The surveys also ask about views on community investment, and if community benefits from the wind farms could be prioritised, for example, to develop skills, address housing or transport issues, or support environmental initiatives.”
The Whiteneuk and Quantans Hill projects are part of a regional strategy by Vattenfall in south west Scotland, and follow the company’s multi-million-pound investment in South Kyle Wind Farm, a 50 turbine development where preparatory work is now underway. There, Vattenfall is working to maximise opportunities for local jobs, businesses and skills as the wind farm is built.
Frank Elsworth, Vattenfall’s UK Development Director for Onshore Wind, said: “South West Scotland has the potential to become a green energy hub. South Kyle, Quantans Hill and Whiteneuk can play a major part in helping to power Scotland towards net zero and provide green shoots of recovery from the economic damage of Covid-19.
“Vattenfall wants to work with local communities, suppliers and partners to not only co-ordinate how our investments might benefit specific localities, but also to explore and create significant opportunities for South West Scotland.”
To find out more about proposals for Whiteneuk Wind Farm and complete its online survey please visit https://group.vattenfall.com/
To find out more about proposals for Quantans Hill Wind Farm and complete its online survey please visit https://group.vattenfall.com/
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