http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/investor-news/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/wind/scottishpower-applies-for-wind-farm-extension.html

 

UK utility ScottishPower has submitted a planning application to the Scottish government for a five turbine extension to the Whitelee wind farm, near Glasgow.

 

The 12MW expansion would make the combined capacity of the plant 551MW, enough to power more than 300,000 homes.

An initial 140 turbines were installed at the site in May 2009 and two further extensions were approved for another 75 turbines, which are currently being commissioned.

ScottishPower Renewables has contributed almost £2m of community funding to the local area through proceeds from the facility, with annual payments worth £1m expected for the next 25 years.

Simon Christian, UK managing director of ScottishPower Renewables, said, 'Whitelee has proved to be an excellent location for a wind farm development. The original wind farm continues to perform extremely well and we have now nearly completed two extensions with minimal disruption in the local area.

'Whitelee is a fantastic demonstration of the economic benefits that renewable energy projects can deliver. ScottishPower Renewables has invested over £500m in the wind farm over the past five years, with the construction activities supporting an average of 290 full-time equivalent positions over that period, many of which were filled by local people.'