Construction is now set to start on 50 wind turbines near Dalmellington after the COVID-19 crisis.

And developers promise to deliver a £38 million community benefit investment over the lifetime of the South Kyle Wind Farm, shaped by the needs of the Dalmellington, Patna, New Cumnock and Carsphairn communities.

Located 5km to the east of Dalmellington, South Kyle will be developer Vattenfall’s largest onshore wind farm in the United Kingdom.

The 50 turbines would measure 149.5 from tip of rotor blade.

Vattenfall has entered a partnership with Greencoat UK Wind, who will acquire the wind farm following its completion after the crisis.

In line with UK government guidance to ensure the safety of employees in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction for the wind farm will begin once it is appropriate to do so.  

Vattenfall will construct the wind farm and will manage the asset on behalf of Greencoat for a minimum of 10 years. It will also purchase the power for a period of 15 years.

A timeline for construction is yet to be confirmed. Vattenfall is continuously monitoring precautions concerning COVID-19 and currently plan for the wind farm to be operational in 2023. 

Once constructed, the wind farm will be able to power approximately 170,000 homes, saving close to 300,000 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions annually, the equivalent of taking around 65,000 cars off the road.

Frank Elsworth, Head of Market Development for UK Onshore, said: “We are delighted that our agreement with Greencoat UK Wind means we can fulfil our commitments to the local community and contribute to major investment in the area.”

  ***************

Scotland is in lockdown, shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Cumnock Chronicle, and the vital local news service we’ve provided since 1901 is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Cumnock Chronicle  in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you’re shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks - and stay safe.