The largest renewable energy scheme before Scottish Government decision makers, shovel ready with a grid connection constructed & preparing for operation in 2027, has been refused consent. Jeopardising future green energy investment in Scotland and reaching the UK’s government clean power by 2030 targets.
The proposed 60-turbine Scoop Hill Wind Farm would have created more than 250 construction jobs, delivered £5 million a year in business rates, and provided £2 million annually in community benefit funding. Wider economic losses include missed opportunities to support UK-based industries via the manufacturing of wind turbine blades from Vestas Isle of Wight blade factory, which supports 600 skilled jobs & is currently manufacturing blades for CWP’s Sanquhar II windfarm.
Scoop Hill offered a tried and tested mitigation solution to Ministry of Defence to upgrade its Eskdalemuir seismic array, which currently blocks around £10 billion of renewable energy investment. Evidence presented to Scottish Government and MoD from the closest wind farm, Crossdykes, proves turbines are both quieter than forestry, harvesting & quarrying. The limited noise impact from these turbines is non-existent at distances of 5 kilometres or more, hence with the array being positioned beyond 10 kilometres away from Scoop Hill, this would have no detrimental impact.
Rod Wood MBE, managing director of CWP Energy, said:
'It’s a disappointment that a £1 billion investment from a UK business is turned down without any tangible engagement from both Governments. Great claims are made about creating a growth environment and encouraging investment in infrastructure to reduce bills for consumers.
Post Brexit, investors had hoped for a Pro-Business and Pro-Growth environment creating jobs and a future. This refusal is a case in point that blockers remain in the heart of Government and nothing’s changed.'
Source: CWP Energy
