- Proposals for South Kyle II Wind Farm have been submitted to Scottish Ministers
- Plan outlines local employment boost plus £18.4m funding injection for local communities
Vattenfall has submitted a planning application to Scottish Ministers for South Kyle II Wind Farm, a renewable energy project east of Dalmellington which could power over 80,000 homes and provide a boost to local jobs and businesses.
Located between Dalmellington and New Cumnock, South Kyle II Wind Farm would comprise 11 wind turbines, battery storage plus significant biodiversity enhancements including tree replanting, peat restoration and habitat creation.
Next generation wind turbines of up to 200m tip height will enable the project to maximise its contribution to national energy security whilst minimising the total number of turbines required, and generate significant funding for local communities - approximately £460,000 per year over 40 years.
Building on Vattenfall’s experience of maximising local opportunities whilst developing the South Kyle Wind Farm (a project which supported 270 jobs in south west Scotland(1)) the new wind farm proposals also focus on delivering local jobs, hiring local contractors and creating apprenticeships.
The South Kyle II Wind Farm project was first proposed in early 2022 and has undergone an extensive design review process, minimising local impacts with the original 17 turbine scheme scaled back to 11. The plans have been shaped by local feedback, stakeholder input, environmental data and discussions with neighbouring residents.
Simon Lejeune, Vattenfall’s Lead Project Development Manager, said:
'The land at South Kyle forest is well suited for onshore wind deployment. Our proposals for South Kyle II has been three years in the making, and we are confident it strikes the right balance between addressing the urgent need for renewable energy generation with what local people told us was important – supporting jobs, communities and nature - whilst minimising impacts on those living closest to the site.'
Due to the nature and scale of the proposal, it will be determined by the Scottish Government. A statutory consultation period will be advertised shortly by the Scottish Government to enable the public, as well as statutory consultees, to consider the proposal.
Further information
The South Kyle II Wind Farm planning application can be viewed at www.vattenfall.co.uk/southkyle2 and at the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit www.energyconsents.scot ref ECU00003429.
Hard copies of the proposal will also be made available by Vattenfall in the local area for public viewing at Dalmellington Community Centre and New Cumnock Town Hall.
(1) Independent analysis by Biggar Economics South Kyle Wind Farm Supplier Analysis - BiGGAR Economics
Source: Vattenfall
