Surveys and assessments, to be undertaken during 2022, will examine the potential to develop a wind farm capable of generating up to 100 megawatts (MW) of green energy, creating significant investment in community projects across the local area.
A scoping process, to determine the content of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) in support of any future planning application, has been launched by EDF Renewables UK, for the potential scheme sited on land owned by Roxburghe Estates.
The proposed site of Dunside wind farm is on moorland approximately 1 km east of the existing Fallago Rig wind farm, enabling use of the existing access infrastructure and grid connection. Up to 20 turbines, each with a tip height of up to 260 metres, will be considered for scoping the EIA but the final design will take account of feedback from local people and others and the environmental information gathered for the EIA.
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Should the wind farm proceed, it would make an important contribution to helping Scotland achieve its 2045 net zero target and, at the same time, support the Scottish economy by increasing Scotland’s supply of green energy. The wind farm could generate enough low carbon electricity to power around 60,000 homes. Based on the Scottish Government guidelines, EDF Renewables UK would generate an annual fund of £5,000 per MW for investment in community projects for the Scottish Borders.
EDF Renewables UK will soon embark on an extensive consultation exercise with local communities. Subject to meeting relevant COVID 19 restrictions that may prevail, the Dunside Wind Farm project team hopes to stage a number of face-to-face events at local venues later this month in order to outline the plans and listen to the views of local people.
Sarah Dooley, Principal Project Development Manager at EDF Renewables UK, said: "Dunside wind farm has the potential to make a lasting and valuable contribution to the Scottish Borders, generating clean, green energy; empowering local communities; and supporting Scotland’s net zero carbon targets. We look forward to sharing our plans with local communities at our consultation events later this month."
