ARDROSSAN’S wind farm could be here to stay – until at least the 2040s.
The first step has now been taken on the way to increasing the lifespan of the wind farm on Busbie Muir – after a planning application was lodged with North Ayrshire Council.
The application requested an Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA) screening opinion on the site in relation to extending the operational life of the wind farm.
The screening would then be used ahead of a further application which would officially propose the extension of the lifespan of the windmills.
At present, 12 of the 15 turbines in Ardrossan have got permission to be operational until 2031 after they commenced commercial operations back in 2004.
A further three, which were erected in 2009, currently have permission to be operational until 2035.
The further application to proceed this screening request would look to increase the lifespan of all 15 turbines by up to ten years – until a latest year of 2041 and 2045 respectively.
The current application looks to discuss why Ventient – which operates the site – is looking to take this course of action.
Document say: “Technical assessment across many of Ventient’s sites has demonstrated wind farms can continue to operate safely and efficiently beyond their originally anticipated lifespan.
“Extending the operational period of Ardrossan Wind Farm by up to ten years will enable the continued generation of electricity from a renewable source, thereby contributing further to the attainment of the UK and Scottish Government policies of encouraging renewable energy developments.” https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/23727511.ardrossan-wind-farm-bid-extend-lifespan-2040s/
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