More forestry sites being explored for wind energy

Published: 21/06/2011

Partnerships for Renewables (PfR), the Carbon Trust Enterprise business set up in 2006 to work with the public sector to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects, is currently investigating the potential for wind energy projects on a number of Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) sites. The sites, located in the central belt, are part of an overall Scottish Government drive to generate clean and renewable energy and reduce the effects of climate change.

In October 2009, the Commission split the national forest estate into six separate regions with the intention of appointing commercial partners to help it investigate and deliver wind energy projects. PfR were appointed in early 2010 to cover the Borders and central belt area and have been working with the Commission over the past year to explore sites at Carron Valley, Heathland, Cloich and Wauchope.

Some new sites are now being looked at for their wind energy potential. These are Blairadam and Devilla Forests in Fife, Fauldhouse, Camilty in West Lothian and Limerigg near Slamannan. The sites were chosen after extensive desk research and now more thorough studies will be undertaken by PfR to explore the viability of these sites to see if they can move forward into development.                                                                                                                  

PfR are also looking at a number of smaller sites in the central belt which could potentially host single turbines. Three forests in Fife – Cardenden, Carnock and Dean – as well as Auchlochan near Lesmahagow and Dunsyston on the outskirts of Airdrie have been identified with met mast applications being submitted. Again these are still at an early stage of investigation and public exhibitions will be held in the coming weeks to give people the opportunity to come and speak to PfR and FCS staff.

Any site which is deemed suitable for development after more thorough environmental and technical studies, will offer an opportunity for communities to not only benefit economically from projects but ensure that they are involved in the site development process.

Suilven Weatherhead, Programme Manager for Forest Renewables said:
"As part of FCS ongoing commitment to help the Scottish Government achieve its renewable energy targets, we are continually investigating the full wind energy potential of the estate. Establishing a site’s suitability is a long and detailed process and PfR share our commitment to only developing sites in appropriate locations.  

"FCS will also be working with other commercial partners to help us deliver this programme of work across Scotland."

Alan Mathewson, from Partnerships for Renewables, said: “We continue to work closely with the Forestry Commission to play a part in delivering this programme. Although we are still at an early stage with these sites, we hope that further investigation and consultation will establish if the sites are suitable. PfR is committed to open engagement to ensure that projects are the best that they can be and local residents will also be contacted to make them aware of the sites being looked at early in the development process”.

Locations of all these sites can be viewed here.

Contacts - media enquiries

Partnerships for Renewables, contact Craig Mullen on 0131 338 6995 or 07540 915003.

Forestry Commission Scotland, contact Steve Williams on 0131 314 6508 or 07771 730 509.

Note for Editors

Partnerships for Renewables was set up by the Carbon Trust in 2006 to work in partnership with the public sector to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects. By providing a one stop shop for the development of renewable energy projects, Partnerships for Renewables provide a way for Public Sector Bodies to access the economic and environmental benefits associated with renewable energy and contribute towards the fight against climate change without diverting public sector resources away from frontline services.

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