An energy company is aiming to build 11 turbines at a site about three miles south of Dufftown.
Fred. Olsen Renewables says it has begun community consultations about the proposed Glenfiddich Wind Farm, sited on high ground near Bridgehaugh on the A941.
Should the windfarm get the go-ahead, the company states that more than £400,000 will be made available to local communities every year for the 35-year lifetime of the project.
Rachel Baird, Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, claimed the proposed windfarm has the potential to deliver more than £14million to support local projects and deliver community ambitions.
She added: “We believe that Glenfiddich Wind Farm can be an asset to the local area, and we would like to start a conversation with the local community and key stakeholders about how we can develop a project that will help to support the local economy and actively contribute towards Scotland, and the UK’s, renewable energy aspirations.
“Glenfiddich Wind Farm is anticipated to deliver a significant community benefit fund throughout the lifespan of the project.
“We will work with the local communities and help them to explore local needs and identify how the community benefit can help to address local challenges, such as reducing energy consumption, improving connectivity and addressing fuel poverty.
“Our supply chain requirements provide huge economic opportunities for local businesses and there are significant employment opportunities in the construction period alone.”
The 11 turbines are anticipated to deliver over 84MW of electricity per year.
Fred. Olsen Renewables has two windfarms in Moray – the Rothes Wind Farm and the Pauls Hill Wind Farm near Knockando.
The company says that, between them, these have to date provided almost £2million to the neighbouring communities.
Ms Baird said: “Our two operational wind farms in Moray have helped us to develop a strong local supply chain and community links – delivering significant economic and social benefits locally.
“We look forward to identifying how we can build upon this success with the development of Glenfiddich Wind Farm.
“This is the start of what will be a comprehensive consultation process and we look forward to working with local residents and community groups to ensure that they can feedback on, and help to shape our plans and develop proposals that will be an asset to the local area.” https://www.northern-scot.co.uk/news/new-windfarm-proposed-south-of-dufftown-235460/?fbclid=IwAR1kPFmTZ3fLuHCzPZL_ex-QPeR3GV_VMlZ6swB_TfHdgaigqhXTlSgLuiE
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