Site investigation work has started at an East Ayrshire wind farm which could generate enough power for 110,000 homes.
OnPath Energy, formerly known as Banks Renewables, has announced the start of site investigation works at its Lethans Wind Farm which is expected to be carried out over 14 weeks.
The announcement comes shortly after the Hamilton-based developer received consent for Lethans Wind Farm Extension, which will add a further ten turbines to the site.
READ MORE: Plans for 'UK's largest wind turbines' near New Cumnock granted approval
Together, Lethans and its extension will generate enough clean, green renewable energy to meet the average demands of around 190,000 homes annually.
The project received initial planning permission from East Ayrshire Council in March 2018 with additional permission granted in June 2020 to enhance the proposal's efficiency by increasing the turbine height, extending the rotor diameter, and refining the site layout.
As well as contributing a vast amount of renewable energy to the grid, the project will deliver £15m worth of community benefits over its lifespan having far-reaching benefits for local people for many years to come.
During the first five years of operation around £1.3m will be used to help improve employment opportunities for local people.
An additional £7million has been allocated to the local authority Renewable Energy Fund and the same amount to a local community partnership, the 9CC, OnPath will work together with these parties to support a mixture of projects from community council action plans and larger strategic projects which can help regenerate the area and have real community ownership.
Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager with OnPath Energy, said: “Projects like this require careful planning throughout the lifetime of the project.
“Once the site investigation is complete, that gives us the green light to move forward – and deliver a project that will have a sizeable impact on national net zero efforts and local prosperity.”
In line with OnPath Energy’s longstanding commitment to use local contractors wherever possible, Duncan Plant Hire from New Cumnock has been appointed to provide plant and heavy machinery needed to undertake the site investigation work.
The work will include an extensive geological assessment and an environmental study to help the Hamilton-based developer understand the local ecosystem.
Further works will see water quality testing, as well as wildlife and bird surveys undertaken by external experts.
Campbell Taylor Duncan, owner of Duncan Plant Hire said: “Securing a contract this size has been another significant win for us. It's allowed us to back local tradespeople, strengthen our business, and boost the local economy.
“Being involved in a project that brings so many positives to the area and helps the environment is truly rewarding.
“As a local business located little over two miles from the site, we’re the perfect example of the benefits wind farms can create for local businesses and the positive impact they can deliver for the community. It’s been a great experience for us to be part of such an important green project.”
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