Ridge Clean Energy (RCE) has successfully cleared a major hurdle in the development of its Ladyfield Renewable Energy Park in Scotland after Argyll & Bute Council's planning committee raised no objections to the proposed project. This decision means that RCE will not be required to undergo a public inquiry before the Scottish government's Energy and Consents Unit makes a final permit decision on the hybrid wind and energy storage project.
The proposed renewable energy park is planned for Ladyfield Plantation, located on the east side of Glen Aray, approximately 4.7 km north of Inveraray. The project will include the installation of 13 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 58.5MW and tip heights reaching up to 180 meters. Additionally, a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 41.4MW is included in the plans. The BESS will store excess power generated by the wind turbines during periods of high production and low demand, while also providing the ability to operate independently to support the National Grid.
Once operational, the site is expected to generate enough energy to power around 45,000 homes annually.
RCE has been working closely with the Inveraray community since 2019, including efforts to bring the Inveraray Pier in Loch Fyne back into community ownership and restore it. The pier was reopened to the public in April 2024 after more than 10 years of closure.
Linda Divers, Chair of Inveraray Community Council, expressed support for the project: “We are happy that Argyll & Bute Council voted not to object to RCE's project as they have been a welcome addition to our community. RCE were a great help and support to us when raising funds for the purchase and restoration of our pier. We look forward to working with RCE again in the future.
If approved by the Scottish government, RCE has committed to establishing the Ladyfield Community Benefit Fund, which will provide continued support for local community initiatives throughout the project's 40-year lifespan.
RCE CEO Marjorie Glasgow welcomed the planning committee's decision, stating, “We are delighted by the decision of the Argyll & Bute planning committee. We are grateful to contribute to the Inveraray local community and to Argyll & Bute more widely. This decision is a key step toward further engagement in the region with renewable energy development making a positive difference for communities.
