Natural Power achieve planning consent on behalf of Rothes Wind Farm

On the 12th January it was confirmed by the Scottish Government that an extension to Rothes wind farm near Elgin in Moray has been successfully consented, with Natural Power acting as the lead consultant on behalf of their client, Rothes II Ltd, a Fred. Olsen Renewables (FOR) company.

The proposed 45 Megawatt (MW) wind farm consists of 18 wind turbines and is capable of generating energy equivalent to the average electricity consumption of approximately 20,000 homes on an annual basis. The wind power project is an extension to the existing 50.6 MW Rothes wind farm, also designed and consented by Natural Power in 2003.

Natural Power provided full site assessment, project design and the EIA submission for FOR, including project management services and technical, construction and operational support from across the company. The Rothes wind farm extension takes Natural Power’s total client project consents to 2100 MW across more than twenty sites.

Scotland’s Energy Minister Jim Mather said “These schemes are good for Scotland’s low carbon economy and further examples of the action we need to take now to tackle climate change. The north of Scotland has huge renewables potential and this scheme will provide tangible, lasting benefits to the communities involved as well as a reduction in carbon emissions.”

Giles Dearden, Development Director at Natural Power, welcomed the announcement noting “Having consented the original Rothes wind farm, which was constructed, and is now also managed by Natural Power on behalf of Fred. Olsen Renewables, we were delighted at the news that the extension has now also been consented taking overall site production to almost 100 MW.”

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