Leading renewable energy developer RES has yesterday announced that Solwaybank Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway has been given planning permission by the Scottish Government.

The 15 turbine project, which will be capable of generating up to 30 Megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity, is located south of the B7068 between Lockerbie and Langholm.

The project was refused earlier this year by Dumfries and Galloway Council due to the potential impact on the Eskdalemuir seismological station and air traffic control radars. However, both objections were resolved and subsequently removed prior to RES submitting an appeal to the Scottish Government.

Ruth Elder, Development Project Manager said: 

“RES is delighted that consent has been granted for Solwaybank Wind Farm which will be capable of generating enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent average demand of more than 19,000 households.

“As well as providing homegrown, secure and affordable energy, onshore wind farms like Solwaybank contribute cleaner, greener energy – particularly important when the world’s eyes are focusing on international efforts to urgently tackle the long-term threat of global climate change.

“The wind farm will also provide significant benefits to the community through a Community Benefit Fund and a direct discount off the electricity bills of those living and working closet to the wind farm.”

RES anticipates the community benefits package for Solwaybank will be worth over £3.75 million including a Community Benefit Fund and RES’ pioneering Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS). Under the LEDS initiative those residential, community and business properties closest to Solwaybank Wind Farm will become eligible for an annual discount off their electricity bills for the operational lifetime of the wind farm.

RES will continue to work closely with the community through the construction phase to ensure that any impacts are kept to a minimum and that local people are kept up to date as development progresses.

Photograph shows predicted view of Solwaybank Wind Farm