The 12-turbine Lochelbank wind farm has begun producing its first power, unlocking a £500,000 windfall for the local community.
Situated in the Ochil Hills, where it joins Burnfoot and Greenknowes, the development was granted permission by Scottish ministers in August 2007 following a five-month public inquiry.
The 9.6 megawatt scheme can generate enough green electricity to power around 5300 homes, which developer RWE npower renewables believes will enable it to make a valuable contribution towards local and national renewable energy targets.
While the wind farm, which sits between Glenfarg and Bridge of Earn, was opposed by local residents, the green power firm believes it will also prove to offer surrounding communities significant long-term benefits.
Part of RWE npower renewables’ continued voluntary commitment to the communities surrounding Lochelbank is the creation of a community fund, to support local projects and organisations.
This will be worth around £20,000 per year across the lifetime of the project, although discussions over how the fund will be administered and who will do that are still being discussed with community councils.
The initial planning application for the Lochelbank wind farm was turned down after going before Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee in November 2005. That decision was eventually overturned by the Scottish Government, despite significant opposition from residents and elected members.
It was also the source of conflict between Glenfarg Community Council and the local authority, with each side accusing the other of hampering the consultation process.
Construction work eventually began in June 2010 and after a 10-month building period and some fine-tuning, the Lochelbank site began exporting electricity to the grid this week.
With Lochelbank now up and running, RWE npower renewable’s project manager Duncan Morrison believes the community will see great long-term benefits from the wind farm.
Mr Morrison said, “The power generated is another significant milestone in the construction of Lochelbank.
“It was built during one of the harshest winters on record and in spite of this we are delighted with its progress.
“The wind farm will be producing clean, green energy for the next 25 years and we hope that it will have a positive impact on the local community.”