Energy company 2020 Renewables Ltd have today been successful in securing
consent for a 42MW wind farm from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Planning permission has been granted for the 14 turbine Druim Leathann
Windfarm to the west of Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis. When constructed the
development will generate sufficient electricity to power approximately
24,000 homes every year. An anemometer mast has already been installed at
the site and has been gathering windspeed data for over a year.
The company have secured a grid connection date of April 2017 and will
continue to progress the project towards construction.
The application has involved substantial consultation with the local
community including the Community Council, the local Grazings Committees
and the Stornoway Trust. 2020 Renewables are proposing significant
community benefit that is estimated to be worth at least £294,000 per year
to the local community and over £7 million during the lifetime of the wind
farm.
The wind farm is expected to involve investment of £63 million in the Lewis
economy and 70 jobs during construction as well as a number of full time
jobs once the development is fully operational. It will also make a
significant contribution to the Scottish and UK Government’s renewable targets.
2020 Renewables Ltd is a renewable energy developer with considerable
experience in developing, constructing and operating onshore wind projects.
Speaking after the application was approved, 2020 Renewables’ Development
Director Alasdair MacLeod said: “Obtaining consent today is obviously a
significant milestone for us. In particular it provides us with the
certainty we require to make our substantial grid payments that in turn are
necessary to deliver the interconnector. We have worked extensively with
the local community since the project’s inception and while many issues
have been discussed and debated, the grid connection to the mainland has
always been the key area of concern.
“We responded to the recent Government consultation on ‘support mechanisms
for islands’ renewables projects’ and believe there is an opportunity to
deliver further good news for the islands before the end of the year.
Confirmation of the ‘use of system’ charges and the grid construction
programme are eagerly awaited by all developers.
“I would like to thank the Comhairle for their support today. The Western
Isles has a massive clean green energy potential. The timing of our
consented project will help deliver jobs and investment to these islands as
well making a contribution to the Scottish and UK Governments renewable
energy targets.”
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