Fred. Olsen Renewables has submitted an application to the Scottish Government to develop Lethen Wind Farm

Fred. Olsen Renewables has applied to the Scottish Government for permission to develop a 17-turbine wind farm 10km north west of Grantown-on-Spey. If approved the proposals will bring forward a unique fuel poverty programme which will support local residents to reduce their energy bills and help to address fuel poverty in the region, as well as providing a substantial community benefit fund and helping support Scotland’s net zero aspirations.

The plans for Lethen Wind Farm have been the focus of community consultation since early 2021. The design has been revised a number of times in response to feedback gathered locally and the wind farm now consist of 17 turbines at 185m to tip, alongside a battery storage facility.

The feedback that has been gathered throughout the consultation process has also helped to shape the benefits that the project will deliver locally. This includes the development of the Lethen Wind Farm Energy Efficiency Programme.

The first of its kind in Scotland, the Lethen Wind Farm Energy Efficiency Programme will make it easier for people to consider how they heat their homes, switch to a green tariff and save money on their bills. Focusing on providing hands-on-advice locally, the wind farm will facilitate the initiative that will:  

• Employ a local energy efficiency officer
• Help to address fuel poverty and energy efficiency in local households
• Identify and support those living in fuel poor households
• Provide additional support, over and above existing financial support mechanisms
• Help to bring forward energy efficiency measures for individual households
• Support a community-wide energy conservation strategy

Julie Aitken, Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, commented:
“The final proposals for Lethen Wind Farm are the result of extensive, and encouraging, stakeholder engagement. We are pleased to submit our plans to the Scottish Government and are confident that they bring forward a carefully considered wind farm alongside a range of local opportunities. I would like to thank local residents for their interest, it is their input that has really helped to shape our final proposals.

“There is a significant focus locally about the opportunities to become more energy efficient, tackle rising bills and help people out of fuel poverty. We are confident that Lethen Wind Farm can support this process and really help the local community play its part in Scotland’s net zero transition.”

KeyFacts Energy: Renewable Energy news