Plans for two 150m-high wind turbines just outside Dundonald will be put to villagers next week.
The development, proposed by The Farm Energy Company, would be sited to the south west of Olympic Business Park and would primarily supply GSK’s manufacturing facility in Irvine.
But the company has dangled the possibility of an annual £21,300 fund for the local community should the plan get approval.
The company says that, over the proposed 30 year project lifespan, that would add up to almost £640,000.
The bid is still in its early stages and no planning application has been submitted to South Ayrshire Council.
There will be a community consultation event at Dundonald’s Montgomerie Hall on Tuesday, April 25 between noon and 7pm.
Residents will be able to speak to the development team about the plans.
The proposal would see the erection of two turbines providing a combined capacity of 8.5MW.
The developer states: “We are currently preparing a planning application to be submitted to South Ayrshire Council for two wind turbines to the southwest of the Olympic Business Park.
“Permission would be sought for 30 years. We are actively exploring the potential to supply the power generated directly to a local employer via a ‘private wire’ connection as part of their plans to reduce emissions from their manufacturing activities.
“The project would contribute to a number of local and national targets for a more sustainable economy.”
According to the developer the project would:
The project would:
- Generate around 27.5GWh of renewable power each year, displacing 5,800 tonnes of carbon emissions.
- Feature ‘biodiversity improvements’
- Potentially to provide power directly to GSK Irvine, which would see the site source around two-thirds of its electricity demand from locally-generated renewable power
- Create an annual community benefit fund of £2,500 for every MW installed, giving an annual fund of around £21,300 – close to £640,000 over the project’s lifetime.
A spokesperson for The Farm Energy Company said: “The funding would be allocated each year by local community representatives and The Farm Energy Company to local projects and initiatives.
“We welcome your feedback on the potential management arrangements, with our aim being to ensure that local residents ensure that the fund is invested in projects which have the greatest possible impact.
“Potential beneficiaries include Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre, local sports facilities, and community projects.
“Local residents will also have an opportunity to comment directly on the application. Any feedback on the project can be sent to dundonaldconsultation@farmenergy.co.uk.”
Read next:
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter here
