Statkraft has submitted plans for a proposed extension to Berry Burn wind farm in Moray to the Scottish Government.

The proposed development is an extension to the operational Berry Burn wind farm located approximately eight kilometres south of Forres.

The proposal includes adding 9 turbines to the existing 29 turbine wind farm, with a maximum height of 149.9 metres to blade tip. It is estimated the extension would generate electricity equivalent to the average annual consumption of over 35,500 homes and deliver additional community funding of £189,000 per year.

The company first proposed a 10 turbine scheme, with plans evolving over the past 18 months as feedback from the community and statutory bodies was received.

“We have completed all of the necessary surveys and planning work, as well as a community engagement plan which first started in December 2018. We have been fortunate to have received thoughtful, considered feedback and guidance from the community and many other stakeholders. As a result, our plan has evolved, and we believe it is even stronger than it was at the outset.

“This project is a great example of the rapid advances in turbine technology. In 2014 we installed a 29 turbine wind farm, generating electricity for approximately 48,000 homes. Within a short space of time we are looking at a 9 turbine project which will provide for over 35,500 homes. Furthermore, because of this increased capacity, the extension would deliver roughly the same amount of community funding as the 29 turbines.”

Mícheál Ó Broin, senior project manager for Statkraft.

A wind farm of under 50 megawatts (MW) would normally be decided by Moray Council, however wind farm extensions are viewed in totality with the operational project (67MW), which means the application is made directly to Ministers of the Scottish Government.