New Highland wind scheme revealed – Ross-shire Journal

A wind energy developer currently progressing plans for a site near
Dingwall has revealed proposals for another scheme in the Highlands.

The potential for a wind farm development “of around 25 turbines”, west of
Kilmorack, north of the A831, is currently being investigated by ABO Wind UK.

ABO Wind UK confirmed this week it had reached agreement with the Erchless,
Farley and Breakachy estates, to assess the potential for a wind farm
located within the land owned by the three estates.

The firm has already developed a three-turbine scheme near Lairg in
Sutherland and has outlined plans for five turbines on land at Woodlands
Farm north of Dingwall.

ABO Wind UK says it’s currently contacting key stakeholders in the local
area to confirm outline details.

Matt Braund, project development manager, ABO Wind UK said: “We are very
much aware of other projects being brought forward by other developers in
the broad area and therefore wanted to engage at this early stage with the
local community and key stakeholders to communicate precisely the stage we
have currently reached”.

The area covered by ABO Wind UK’s investigation lies within the top rated
“Stage Three Areas – Areas of Search” for the siting of wind energy
developments, as identified by Highland Council.

The company is progressing an internal feasibility study which will include
a pre-application consultation meeting with the Highland Council, following
which it will seek, in the next few months, a formal scoping opinion.

ABO Wind UK also estimated it will be looking to present a planning
application for a met mast in the early part of 2014, with an aim to submit
a full planning application towards the end of next year.

Mr. Braund said: “We are very much aware of the need for and are totally
committed to a full and open public consultation process.

“With this in mind, we have undertaken to contact key stakeholders again,
once we have completed our initial investigation work, when we will be in a
position to provide a more definitive picture of what we propose.”

ABO Wind UK has been operating in the UK since 2006.

The company is a subsidiary of ABO Wind AG, one of Europe’s most
experienced wind energy developers.

Earlier this year, ABO Wind UK opened its Highland base in Inverness, and
confirmed plans to invest around £390 million in five wind farm proposals
for the Highlands over the next three years.

The company has already developed successfully in the Highlands, with three
turbines near Lairg, fully operational since January 2012.

More information about ABO Wind is available at www.abo-wind.co.uk