Speyside residents have demanded face-to-face talks with the head of an
energy giant amid claims they are being short-changed by £16million.
Communities in the area will benefit from the massive Dorenell Wind Farm
that is currently under construction about five miles from Dufftown.
However, developers EDF Renewables have only offered to pay villages £2,000
per MW of electricity generated every year instead of the £5,000
recommended by the Scottish Government.
The power firm claims other benefits, including a visitor centre dedicated
to the wind farm and upgraded paths on the site, will make up some of the
difference to locals.
But Fraser McGill, a member of the United Communities Impact Group, which
represents Dufftown, Glenlivet, Inveravon, Glenrinnes and the Cabrach,
believes the promises will make little difference.
He said: “We feel the additional aspects of community benefit originally
offered are failing to actually deliver benefit as they are centred on the
Glenfiddich estate – this leads us to think that it is the landowner that
actually benefits, not the community.
“There needs to be better regulation on the obligations that EDF is failing
to deliver.”
Mr McGill now wants to meet Matthieu Hue, managing director of EDF, in
order to press the case that the communities are entitled to the extra cash.
The difference between the recommended figure and the total currently on
offer from the firm means a potential £27.5million over the course of the
turbines’ 25-year lifespan could be slashed to £11million.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: “It’s astounding that this multi-billion
pound company is unwilling to respond positively to the concerns of the
communities.
“EDF and the landowner stand to make significant returns on this
development. Locals are only asking for a fairer share in line with
national guidance.”
Once complete, Dorenell will have 59 turbines, which will be more than
400ft tall. It is expected to generate energy for 84,000 homes annually
when operational.
An EDF spokeswoman said: “The overall community package will be worth
nearly £4,000 per MW, including significant added benefits such as the
upgrading of paths and creating warden and ranger posts, and the creation
of a visitor centre.
“We will also spend around £40 million pounds with the Scottish supply
chain alone in building Dorenell through proactively engaging with local
and national businesses and this is significantly more than the least cost
options available.”
Last week, the Press and Journal revealed bungling EDF bosses had ordered
the wrong size of turbine parts, which were then convoyed to the site. Six
parts will now need to be removed and replacements transported in – at an
estimated cost of at least £180,000.
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