19 February 2004

45MW Planning Submission

Riding on the 150MW of planning successes in England during 2003, Wind Prospect are bordering on reaching great heights in Scotland too. Their recently opened Edinburgh office has submitted their inaugural planning application, just 18 months after opening. The Longpark Wind Farm would have a capacity of 45MW and is near Stow in the Scottish Borders.

The planning application, consisting of eighteen 2.5MW turbines, was submitted to the Scottish Borders Council this week. This follows independent studies that found the area to be suitable for a wind energy development. Local residents have already been able to find out more about wind energy in general, and were able to provide feedback to the developer at an information day held when the proposals were first announced in September 2003. A further exhibition will be held in March, allowing local people to see detailed final plans for the proposal.

Each year the project would save in excess of 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and produce the equivalent energy of that consumed by over 27,000 homes. The eighteen 2.5 megawatt turbines, would have 60m high towers and blades that are 40m long, giving an overall height of 100m. The cost of the project would be around £33 million.

Wind Prospect's recent work in Scotland has included the construction project management for several of the major wind farms, including; Bowbeat (31.2MW), Tangy (15.3MW) and Duecheran Hill (15.75MW).

Damian Aubrey, Development Manager at Wind Prospect said:

"We are very excited about the proposed Longpark Wind Farm. Following extensive studies over the past twelve months, the site has been found to meet all of our environmental and technical requirements."

"So far we have received very encouraging responses from local residents. Wind energy plays an important part in Scotland's future energy mix, supplying electricity whilst at the same time helping to prevent greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment."

Ends.