In a significant move towards bolstering Scotland's renewable energy capacity, West Lothian Council has given the green light to extend the Drumduff Wind Farm near Blackridge. The project, a collaboration between Scottish renewable energy operator GreenPower and Thrive Renewables, is poised to amplify its impact with the addition of three new turbines.
Expected to generate between 12MW to 15MW, the extension will effectively double the wind farm's size, elevating its combined onsite generation capacity to over 21MW. Situated within a commercial Sitka Spruce forest, the project ambitiously integrates ‘forest to bog' restoration efforts, promising significant ecological and biodiversity gains.
Lead development manager Sam Layton expressed gratitude towards the local community for their constructive engagement, stating, “Local community feedback has helped us finalize the design to avoid native woodland areas and maximize biodiversity benefits from the project. We look forward to working with them to maximize the benefits of the project to the community.”
The existing wind farm, operated under the Joint Venture Green Breeze Energy Limited, has received commendation from GreenPower's chief executive Rob Forrest. “At a time when the climate emergency demands new sources of green power, this project is in a great location, extending an existing wind farm located in a well-established area of wind developments,” Forrest emphasized.
Construction plans are slated to be locally consulted upon to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth delivery and erection of the turbines, targeted for completion by 2026. Emphasizing the project's commitment to community involvement, Forrest added, “We will also aim to involve as many local businesses as possible in the plans.”
Echoing Forrest's sentiments, Thrive Renewables managing director Matthew Clayton emphasized the project's role in meeting the UK's growing demand for clean energy. “This extension will help to meet the UK's increasing demand for clean energy to power homes, businesses, and transport,” Clayton stated, underlining the project's contribution towards achieving climate objectives at both the local and national levels.
