The fifth phase of Crystal Rig wind farm in the Lammermuirs is being
planned, potentially increasing it to 119 turbines.
A scoping report for a further 26 turbines was submitted to Scottish
Borders Council last week, the turbines varying in height – the tallest
135m – and the new turbines will be sited amongst the existing ones.
Natural Power Consultants Ltd, who submitted the report on behalf of wind
farm operators Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd say: “There is sufficient capacity
at the existing Crystal Rig substation to at accommodate a grid connection
for the proposed development.
“The remaining spare capacity, of least 200MW, allowed for current proposed
development.”
“It is believed that the proposed development will not add significantly to
the visual presence of turbines in the area.”
There have been wind turbines at Crystal Rig since 2003; the initial 20
being added to over various phases. There are currently 86 turbines, a
decision on a further six or seven is pending, and this latest plan for
another 26 would bring the total at Crystal Rig to 119.
Neighbouring Aikengall wind farm has also undergone phased development and
currently has 35 turbines, with plans to increase it up to 65 turbines.
Grid capacity at Crystal Rig was initially restricted to 164MW but a direct
connection to the 400Kv line from Torness Power Station secured a grid
capacity of up to 200MW.
The substation at Crystal Rig will have a major input into the national
grid, not just from the onshore turbines in the immediate locality (Crystal
Rig and Aikengall wind farms) but also from offshore wind energy from the
proposed North Sea wind farm Neart na Gaoithe which will also connect into
the national grid at Crystal Rig. The electricty will be brought ashore at
Thorntonloch near Torness Power Station and will be fed through underground
cables to Crystal Rig substation.
Last year ScottishPower Transmission Ltd as part of the Neart na Gaoithe
wind farm connection, put forward their plans to construct an extension to
the existing 400kV substation at Crystal Rig.
Consultation on the latest Crystal Rig turbine extension was planned to
start this summer involving disucssions with local community council and
public exhibitions.
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