The renewable energy division of EDF – the state-owned French corporation which also owns and operates the two Scottish nuclear power stations – is taking on the development of Dorenell Wind Farm, one of the largest onshore wind projects due to be built in Scotland.
EDF Energy Renewables will develop and construct the project working with the renewable energy company Infinergy. No financial details about the deal were disclosed
The site, near Dufftown in Moray, has been developed by Infinergy and has consent for a 59-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 177MW.
Following improvements in the latest available turbine technology, an application for a redesign of the currently consented project have been submitted to boost to the amount of renewable electricity produced from the site. If successful this would see the wind farm’s installed capacity increased to approximately 200MW.
The Dorenell project had already secured government backing from the first round of its contacts-for-difference subsidy scheme guaranteeing the projects £82.50 per megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity
Once built, Dorenell could produce enough electricity for up to 138,000 homes. Grid connection is planned for 2018.
Vincent de Rivaz, EDF Chief Executive, said: “This announcement confirms our commitment to lead in UK investment in low carbon electricity. That means investment in wind and nuclear electricity generation with an increasing focus on the development of Scottish renewables.
“In taking on the development of the largest planned onshore wind project in Scotland, we intend to boost its output using our world-leading research and development expertise. This expertise is dedicated to building a low carbon future in the UK and covers activities from electricity generation to energy efficiency in customers’ homes and workplaces.”
EDF Energy Renewables is a joint venture between EDF Energy and EDF Energies Nouvelles, the renewable arm of the EDF Group.
Meanwhile, 40 STEM students from Irvine Academy recently visited the EDF nuclear power station at nearby Hunterston to learn about possible career opportunities – EDF is presently recruiting for nuclear engineering apprentices. The third year students who are all studying physics and chemistry, had the chance to speak with current apprentices Rachel Pellegrini and Conor Logie (pictured, above, left) to find out what life is like as a nuclear apprentice.
Pixie Energy is an incubator and a facilitator of strategic research and project work, focusing on energy regulation, policy and markets at the local and national level. Find out more about Pixie Energy