Vattenfall said it will host a series of public exhibitions in November to present early design proposals for its planned 481-megawatt Glenmarkie wind farm and gather feedback from local communities.
The Swedish energy company said the proposed project would include 65 turbines and deliver benefits such as an annual £2.4 million community fund, £4.1 million in yearly business rates, and carbon savings equivalent to 350,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
“The project is in the very initial stages of design, so we’re keen to engage with the community as early as possible to ensure that their consultation feedback has the most potential to influence the design and delivery of the scheme,” said Simon Lejeune, Vattenfall’s lead project development manager. “We will listen carefully to people’s feedback and build a clear picture of the areas we need to focus on from a community perspective.”
Lejeune added that the company is aware of potential local concerns, including construction traffic, and will discuss mitigation measures at the events.
Project manager Lucy Blake said Vattenfall aims to minimise environmental impacts and explore opportunities for ecological improvements. “In addition to designing our projects sensitively from a community perspective, we’re committed to minimising any environmental impacts and exploring opportunities for habitat enhancements,” she said. “We believe there is potential for a unique peatland restoration project at Glenmarkie.”
Public exhibitions will take place from Nov. 11 to 13 in Laggan, Glenmoriston, Inverness, and Strathdearn. Exhibition materials and feedback forms will also be available online through Vattenfall’s project website.
