EDF Renewables – which is owned by the French giant which operates the two Scottish nuclear power stations – has opened a new wind farm near Livingston after winning an appeal against the local cooncil decision to reject the development.
West Lothian Cooncil considered the application at first instance four years ago. The planning committee decided to refuse planning permission on the chairman’s casting vote – despite the recommendation in favour by the local planning officials.
EDF lodged an appeal against this decision, which was later upheld by the Scottish government.
Yesterday, Provost Tom Kerr of West Lothian Council formally opened the six turbine 19.2MW windfarm at Pearie Law, close to Cobbinshaw Reservoir.
The 2MW turbines with an approximate total height to turbine tip of 125m, have an installed capacity of up to 12MW of low carbon energy, capable of generating electricity for more than 10,000 homes.
Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has opened a new centre for EDF Renewables in Edinburgh to support the company’s ‘ambitious growth’ plans in Scotland.
Sturgeon said: “EDF Energy Renewables has built strong relationships with Scottish industry – making a commitment to use towers manufactured in Scotland by CS Wind UK, using local supply chain companies, wherever possible, and developing renewables in areas like the Western Isles.
“It’s also fantastic to see this Edinburgh office is set to create a further 35 jobs.”
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