Renewable energy developer RES has officially filed a planning application for the Hill of Fare Wind Farm, a 105.6-MW wind project located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Unveiled to the public in August 2022, the wind farm is expected to feature 16 modern turbines, generating sufficient electricity annually to power approximately 101,000 homes, as disclosed by the developer on Wednesday.
The anticipated local economic impact of the Hill of Fare Wind Farm is considerable, with RES projecting GBP 14 million (USD 17.6m/EUR 16.1m) in local investment during the construction phase. Furthermore, the operations and maintenance activities related to the project could contribute an additional GBP 66 million over its lifetime.
Aberdeenshire Council may receive approximately GBP 50 million in business rates, according to the company's estimates. RES has outlined a community benefit package amounting to GBP 528,000 per year, totaling GBP 26.4 million over the project's lifetime. Additionally, the planning application includes a proposal for a cultural heritage walking trail.
Gavin Shirley, Development Project Manager at RES, commented on the significance of projects like Hill of Fare in aligning with the UK government's commitment to attracting substantial investment in renewable energy. He highlighted the potential for these projects to deliver lasting benefits to local businesses and communities.
The Hill of Fare Wind Farm aligns with the UK government's objective of achieving a decarbonized electricity system by 2035 and supports the Scottish government's ambition to reach 20 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030, according to RES.
