We are proposing a windfarm of 14 turbines at Glen App.

The site is located within an area of coniferous commercial forestry to the north-east of Cairnryan, within the South Ayrshire Council administrative area.  The development area measures approximately 3km by 1.5km. 

We have undertaken extensive environmental surveys of the proposed site to inform the design of the scheme and submitted an application for planning permission to South Ayrshire Council in September 2012.

To view the Non-Technical Summary of our proposals, including a layout map please click here [opens in a new window]

When we visited communities in May 2011, we presented a layout for the project that comprised 33 turbines. Informed by feedback from local communities and consultees (including Scottish Natural Heritage and local authorities), and the environmental survey work undertaken, the design of the windfarm has been modified significantly and the number of turbines has been reduced to 14.

The windfarm would have a generating capacity of approximately 32 megawatts (MW) and the turbines would have a maximum height of 126.5 metres, measured from the base to the tip of the blades at their highest point.

As a general rule of thumb it is assumed that costs to build a windfarm are around £2 million per turbine at today's rate. This figure includes turbine manufacture, its delivery, its installation, as well as any infrastructure costs associated with the formation of any access tracks. It also includes for the energisation of the turbine, which would then allow it to export electricity to the grid.

Turbine manufacturers generally specify a turbine life of 25 years and therefore, within the detail the planning application, we have made reference to a 25-year operational life.

Why this is a good area for a windfarm:

This is a good area for windfarm development due to a number of factors, including the following:

• It has a good wind resource;
• It is located within a 'broad area of search' for windfarms as identified by South Ayrshire Council;
• It would give significant benefits in terms of its generating capacity of up to 32MW and associated reduction in climate change emissions;
• It is accessible by construction traffic and for turbine deliveries; and
• There are no ecological designations within the site.