Crystal Rig wind farm receives consent to expand
(PRWEB UK) 17 June 2015 -- Fred. Olsen Renewables has received consent for Crystal Rig Wind Farm (Phase III), with the new turbines located in the Lammermuir Hills in East Lothian, adjacent to the existing scheme.
The development is for six turbines, each with a generating capacity of up to 3MW. This could increase the generating power of the Crystal Rig Wind Farm by up to 18 MW - enough to power a further 10,600 households per annum. The site will add to Fred. Olsen Renewables' existing wind portfolio of 432 MW in the UK.
David Brunt, CEO for Fred. Olsen Renewables said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Minsters have given Phase III the go-ahead. It is an uncertain time for the renewable industry in the UK, yet projects like this, which have the support of local communities and the Scottish Government, are shown to bring demonstrable benefits both at a local and national level.”
Benefits of Crystal Rig Wind Farm
Crystal Rig Wind Farm was the first large-scale onshore wind farm development by Fred. Olsen Renewables and has now evolved to its current generating capacity of 200.5 MW (not including Phase III). The development currently saves over 200,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year and Phase III could additionally save over 26,000 tonnes annually.
The development and construction of Phase I and II of Crystal Rig Wind Farm has supported an estimated 400 job years across Scotland and 200 job years across the Scottish Borders and East Lothian. The on-going operation and maintenance supports approximately 90 jobs across Scotland, including 40 in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian. When construction of Phase III commences there will be further benefits to the local economy with additional construction and operational jobs. Crystal Rig Wind Farm represents one of the largest capital investments in East Lothian and the Scottish Borders in recent years.
The Community Development Fund set up by Fred. Olsen Renewables has to date distributed over £1 million to local communities. Crystal Rig (Phase III) will further contribute to this.
Ends
Notes for Editors:
Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited has been developing and operating wind farms since the mid 1990’s demonstrating long term commitment to the Scottish and UK renewable energy generation market. The company’s operational wind farm portfolio comprises Rothes I and Rothes II (combined capacity of 91 MW), Pauls Hill (64.4 MW), Mid Hill (75.9 MW) and Crystal Rig (200.5 MW) totalling a generating capacity of 432 MW. Consented onshore projects comprise Windy Standard II (90 MW), which is currently moving towards construction.
Natural Power, Natural Power, +44 7887995589, [email protected]
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