THE first turbines of a wind farm which will generate enough electricity to power almost 170,000 homes in southern Scotland have been installed.
Five towering green energy generators have now been built at North Kyle, near New Cumnock, as part of the North Kyle development.
When fully operational in October next year, the 49 wind turbines will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of 168,000 homes each year.
The wind farm is part of a development to regenerate one of Scotland’s largest surface coal mining sites, which formerly occupied the site.
Elaine Stewart, MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, praised developers Brockwell Energy for their collaborative approach, saying: “The installation of the first turbines is an important milestone for this flagship project that shows how important it is to have local communities at the heart of developing onshore windfarms.
“Brockwell’s pioneering and collaborative approach is an example to learn from. The 9CC Group model for administering and coordinating Community Benefit funds is also something to celebrate.
“The wind sector is key for the achievement of our clean energy and climate goals, but we need to make sure we do this in a fair and supportive environment - and most importantly by taking local communities into account and supporting them in the transition.”
Speaking at an event to mark the installation of the first five turbines, she said: “Building legacies for former coal mine communities is one of my priorities as an MP. If coordinated correctly the benefits from this scheme and other surrounding schemes will bring substantial and long-standing benefits to the area.
“The game-changing sums of long-term funding that will arise over the next 40 years will need to be carefully managed to ensure they provide lasting legacy. It is an exciting opportunity but also one that is very challenging and will need careful and transparent governance and management.
“The current model of developer-led consultation is increasingly falling short as schemes proliferate. This is where bodies like 9CC Group are needed.”
The newly-elected MP was joined on the visit to the site by Kilmarnock and Loudon MP Lillian Jones, Carol Mochan MSP for South Scotland, and other local elected members from across the political spectrum.
Each turbine has a maximum tip height of 149.9m. North Kyle, located 5.5km east of Patna, 6km west of New Cumnock and 2.5km south of Skares, will have a 40-year working lifespan.
Community Benefit is being managed by the 9CC Group, a charitable trust uniting the nine communities of Auchinleck; Cumnock; Ochiltree and Skares; Drongan, Rankinson and Stair; New Cumnock; Cronberry, Lugar and Logan; Dalmellington; Patna; and Netherthird.
Group chair Alex Baird said: “The event not only marks a significant stage in the development of the site but also provides an opportunity to thank Brockwell Energy for their collaborative approach to Community Benefit.
“From the outset, they have been pro-active supporters and crucially provided £880k in advance funding to help establish our organisation and ensure our local communities benefitted - even before the money from these turbines was planned to come onstream.
“That’s a powerful statement about Brockwell’s commitment to this area and a welcome endorsement of the work the 9CC Group does on behalf of the people who live, work and play in our communities."
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