Scottish Government approves two onshore wind farms

A 29 turbines wind cluster, with the capacity of 78 megawatts (MW) will be built by Catamount Energy and Force 9, at Berry Burn, near Forres. Consent for the farm was originally applied for in 2004.

Meanwhile, a 20 turbine wind farm near Fort Augustus has been granted a six turbine extension, increasing its capacity from 50 MW to 65 MW. Consent for the extension was applied for in January this year by Millennium Wind Energy Ltd.

The two developments are expected to create 100 construction jobs and five full time jobs.

The total installed renewables capacity in Scotland is currently over three gigawatts (GW). A further three GW of renewables capacity has either been consented by the Scottish Government or local authorities, or is currently under construction, and three GW is currently in the planning process.

Scottish Government targets are to meet 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020, with an interim target of 31 per cent by 2011.

Its Energy Consents and Deployment Unit is presently processing 34 renewable project applications – 25 wind farms and nine hydro projects – and has determined 30 energy applications, including approval for 24 renewable and one non-renewable project since May 2007. This is more than the previous four years, in which 19 projects were determined.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "I am delighted to approve further investment to develop our vast natural potential, create more jobs and fuel the clean, green energy revolution. Renewable energy is a key sector for Scotland and will help drive our economic recovery – new wind farms create jobs and can provide valuable benefits for the communities they serve.

"Our comprehensive climate change laws demand that we continue to support good projects that reduce emissions and help Scotland become a global role model for a sustainable, low carbon economy."