Vattenfall proposes new wind energy project in Argyllshire

The project team are keen to start discussing their plans with the local community and will be hosting an online exhibition from 8th December at www.vattenfall.co.uk/musdale.  It will provide further information on the project and initiate a two-month consultation period for people to learn more about the proposal and provide feedback.

As part of the event Vattenfall will be offering one-to-one calls throughout the consultation period, enabling people to engage directly with the project team and discuss any questions that they may have at this stage. A newsletter will also be sent to local households in advance of the exhibition in order to help raise awareness of the project and upcoming consultation.

Frank Elsworth, Vattenfall’s UK Development Director for Onshore Wind, said:  

“Scotland is a front runner in onshore wind energy compared to the rest of the UK and is reaping the benefits for the environment, communities and businesses.

“New onshore wind is the cheapest way to generate electricity and Musdale can play a major part in helping Scotland to achieve net zero by 2045. 

“Vattenfall wants to work with the local community and businesses to explore how we can create opportunities and benefits for the local area through community investment, skills development, jobs and employment.”

Alison Daugherty, Senior Project Manager for Vattenfall, explained:

“We want to discuss our plans with the local community early, so that they can influence the design of the project and discuss the opportunities that the wind farm could create locally. I would like to encourage the community to visit our online event and get involved in the consultation by sharing their thoughts and ideas with us.

“We look forward to collaborating with the people who live and work here as we develop the project.”

A Scoping Report for the project was submitted last week to the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders, including local Community Councils, outlining the proposed scope of environmental assessment work over the coming months. This work, together with feedback from key consultees as well as the online consultation, will help to shape the proposal and refine the design ahead of submission of a Section 36 application to Scottish Ministers towards the end of 2021.

Further information can be found on the project website at www.vattenfall.co.uk/musdale.

Notes  

^1. https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained

Anyone wishing to submit feedback on the proposal should submit their comments in writing to Vattenfall via the online exhibition, by email to musdale.windfarm@vattenfall.com or by post to: Musdale Project Team, St Andrew’s House, Haugh Lane, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3QQ.

The consultation closing date for feedback to Vattenfall on the proposal at this stage is Tuesday 2nd February 2021. There will be a further opportunity to comment on the project later in the design development process.

Any comments submitted to Vattenfall on the proposal at this time are not representations to the determining authority (Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit). Should a formal Section 36 application for consent be submitted for this proposal there will be an opportunity at that time for people to submit formal comments to the determining authority.

This online exhibition is being held remotely in line with Scottish Government Covid-19 guidance on pre-application consultation events.