First turbines set to arrive at Freasdail Wind Farm
Renewable energy equivalent to 14,000 homes and £2.8 million in community benefits move a step closer
The first wind turbine components are set to arrive at RES’ Freasdail Wind Farm near Whitehouse this October. The delivery of the turbines marks a major milestone for the 22.5 megawatt project, which will be capable of generating enough clean, green electricity each year to meet the average needs of around 14,000 homes.
Construction of Freasdail Wind Farm began in October 2015, and is expected to be fully operational in early 2017. Over the last few months, approximately 10 kilometres of on-site tracks have been created and the eleven foundations which will support the turbines are nearing completion.
With the site almost ready, the delivery of the turbine components will be begin during the week commencing 3rd October and continue for a period of approximately ten weeks. The turbine components are being delivered to Campbeltown Harbour and stored in Machrihanish. From Machrihanish the turbine deliveries will travel north along the A83 before turning into the designated site entrance for Freasdail Wind Farm.
Specially designed vehicles will deliver the various sections of the turbines to the site in convoys, with a dedicated escort vehicle. The deliveries are expected to depart from Machrihanish first thing in the morning and will arrive on-site before 8am.
Campbell McIver, RES Construction Manager, commented: “We have taken every precaution to minimise disruption to other road users and have agreed the delivery route and timings following detailed consultation with Argyll & Bute Council and Police Scotland. We will continue to work closely with both parties to ensure the safe delivery of the wind turbines to Freasdail Wind Farm.
“The wind farm is progressing to schedule and the team are looking forward to the turbines arriving. This site has excellent transport access and we do not anticipate any significant delays for local people during the turbine delivery period.”
Once the wind farm is fully operational, it will provide a community benefits package of £112,000 per year (index linked) or £2.8 million throughout the operational life of the project.
The community benefits offered at Freasdail Wind Farm will comprise a Community Benefit Fund to support local charitable projects and RES’ innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS), which offers nearest neighbours an annual discount of £235 per year off their electricity bills. Eligible properties will be contacted shortly with details of how to claim the discount.