Extension to Kype Muir Wind Farm Gets Go Ahead From Scottish Government

PLANS to increase the size of a South Lanarkshire wind farm, which once operational will provide even greater local revenue, clean energy, investment and community benefits, have been given the green light by the Scottish Government.

Hamilton based employer Banks Renewables has received permission from the Scottish Government Energy Consents and Deployment Unit (EDCU) for its Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm, located south of Strathaven.

The 15 turbine, 51MW, expansion to the Kype Muir Wind Farm will increase the total capacity of the entire 41 turbine project to 139MW, capable of powering more than approximately 80,000 homes and representing a landmark investment in South Lanarkshire.

The 41 turbine project is estimated to produce a local revenue of around £17.5m over the 25 year life cycle of the wind farm. This is in addition to an expected boost to local businesses.

Colin Anderson, development director at Banks Renewables, said: “Construction is already underway on the approved main Kype Muir Wind Farm.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has approved the expansion of the Kype Muir Wind Farm, which will bring substantial environmental benefits and a potentially transformative economic boost to the area.”

“Both the government and the council clearly appreciated of the positive impact the Kype Muir Wind Farm can have on the surrounding area and the people who live there.”

Under the umbrella of the Connect2Renewables Charter, which seeks to maximise the social, economic and environmental benefit of the development to the local area, the Kype Muir wind farm provides an investment opportunity that will support the local economy by creating jobs, skills and learning opportunities.

It will also help support local businesses, local infrastructure and the environment. Banks Renewables has already appointed Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical Ltd of Hamilton to undertake site investigation work; the Central Scotland team of Euroforest, based in Dumfriesshire has been appointed for the forestry work and RJ McLeod of Glasgow has been for appointed to undertake the balance of plant works on site at Kype Muir.

Banks has also committed to supporting an employment and training fund, to be administered by South Lanarkshire Council that will help to develop the skills of local unemployed people in the area to help them in to work.

Colin added: “Through our Connect2Renewables Charter, and our development with care approach, we are proud to work with South Lanarkshire Council to ensure we maximise the social, economic and environmental benefit of the development to the local area – including local businesses.”