Brockwell Energy announces consent has been received for its North Kyle Energy Project, one of the largest and most community-focused onshore wind projects in Scotland.

The 49-turbine development in the North Kyle forest in East Ayrshire will have a nominal capacity of up to 235MW, with turbine tip heights at a maximum of 149.9m.

The scheme, which will begin generating power in April 2024, has been carefully designed on and around the former Chalmerston, Pennyvennie and House of Water coal mining complexes. These large areas had been left derelict and unrestored following the collapse of Scottish Coal in 2013.

Brockwell Energy conceived and promoted its innovative project with support from Hargreaves Services. An important consideration in its creation was to provide additional funding to assist with the restoration of the former mining site, improve public access and provide a truly ground-breaking community benefit programme.

This is forecast to generate around £39 million of community benefit over the scheme’s lifetime.

The major financial boost will help the regeneration of the surrounding communities, many of whom have been heavily impacted by the demise of the coal industry.

The North Kyle Energy Project has attracted significant local support with its unique community benefit proposition and its promotion of local decision making and community empowerment through supporting the formation and development of the 9CCG, an exciting community group representing the nine local community council areas.

Alex Lambie, Chief Executive of Brockwell Energy, commented: 
“We really are delighted with the decision of Scottish Ministers to grant consent.

“The decision follows a lengthy, detailed and thorough design and planning process, which has seen great care being taken to minimise the impacts of the scheme and maximise the benefits that flow from its development.

“With consent secured, our focus now turns to commencing the detailed site investigation works and moving the project forwards towards realisation.”

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