Green light for wind farm growth

The Crystal Rig wind farm in the Lammermuirs is to be extended by 52 turbines and will become the UK’s largest onshore wind facility after receiving planning permission this week, it has been announced. The Scottish Borders-based plant, when the extension is up and running, will generate 164 megawatts (MW) of energy. The news has been praised by BWEA, which said that the decision meant that the wind industry in UK ‘had firmly arrived’.

“The extension at Crystal Rig is good news for our renewables sector, and followed a lengthy consultation process designed to ensure that it does not come at an unacceptable cost to the surrounding environment,” Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson, announcing the consent.

“Today’s announcement will not only deliver clear environmental benefits, cutting carbon emissions and combating climate change, but is also a step towards securing Scotland’s position as a world leader in the renewable energy technology sector.”

BWEA has also announced the release of a new statistical tool designed to chart the development of wind energy projects around the country. The UK Wind Energy Database – UKWED – has been in development for over a year, and offers the latest statistical analysis of the wind industry.