Click on image to enlarge

RES is exploring the potential for a wind farm on land adjacent to the existing Solwaybank Wind Farm, near Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway.  The map to the right shows the site location.

The wind farm is likely to have an installed capacity of up to 132 megawatts (MW) and will be capable of providing renewable electricity for around 100,000 homes¹. The renewable electricity will also support the Scottish Government target of generating 50% of Scotland’s overall energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030.

Initial feasibility studies have been undertaken to assess the site’s suitability and a 22-turbine layout, with a tip height of 230m, developed.

We are now progressing detailed technical and environmental surveys over the next few months, in order to help further develop and refine the design and engaging with the local community on the proposal.

In addition to the wind turbines and foundations, the site infrastructure is expected to include:

• Hardstand areas for erection cranes at each turbine location
• A network of on-site tracks
• Site entrances from the public road network
• A substation compound containing a control building and communications mast
• A battery energy storage system compound
• Borrow pits (dependent on availability of stone on-site)
• Temporary construction compounds

                              Click on image to enlarge

                               Solwaybank Wind Farm

As part of the planning process RES will undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The purpose of an EIA is to investigate any significant potential effects of a development on the environment and, where applicable, identify mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce potential effects.

In May 22, RES submitted a Scoping Report to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) and other key consultees (including Dumfries & Galloway Council, NatureScot, and SEPA), setting out the proposed scope of the EIA work. RES will continue to engage with key consultees as part of this process, to keep them informed and discuss findings where necessary.

RES already has a good understanding of the site due to a wealth of data gathered over the years from previous survey work associated with the Solwaybank Wind Farm proposal. However, further environmental surveys and technical studies have been undertaken over the last few months including:

• Landscape and Visual
• Ornithology
• Ecology
• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
• Noise
• Traffic and transport
• Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Geology

Over the next few months RES will assess the findings from this new data, as part of the EIA process, which will be used to help develop the design in relation to environmental considerations. The findings of the EIA will be presented in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA-R) which will accompany any application submitted to the Scottish Government.

Access is one of the key considerations when selecting a potential wind farm site, particularly with regard to the turbine deliveries.

The turbine components for Solwaybank Extension Wind Farm are likely to arrive at King George V Dock in Glasgow. Components will be delivered south along the M74, A6071, A7 and then via an upgraded track to the C70A to the site.

Safety is the key consideration and RES will be undertaking a detailed swept path analysis of the turbine delivery route, as well as careful assessment of the main site access options. The preferred access point and turbine delivery route are shown on the map to the right.

Over the next few months, we will consult with the local authority (Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland), the emergency services, the local community and other relevant bodies on our transport plans.

A transport assessment will be undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and, if the wind farm is given consent, a detailed Traffic Management Plan will be agreed with the roads authority and the police.

Wherever reasonably practicable we will use materials available on site and source construction materials locally in order to help reduce traffic movements.

                                  Click on image to enlarge

                Solwaybank Wind Farm Construction Team

RES has a strong track-record of working closely with the local supply chain and maximising inward investment opportunities wherever possible.

For example, during the construction of Solwaybank Wind Farm, £4.1 million was invested into the local economy through working closely with the local supply chain. Several local companies were involved in the build, including Grange Quarry, Pro-Tect and Oakbank.

Solwaybank Extension Wind Farm has the potential to deliver approximately £6 million in the form of jobs, employment, and the use of local services, and RES is keen to hear from local businesses who are interested in learning more about the opportunities associated with the construction and operation of this site.

Some of the skills, services and materials which are likely to be required are as follows:

• Civil engineering
• Groundworks
• Electrical works
• Steel fixing
• Plant operators and plant and crane hire
• Labourers
• Cleaners
• Concrete and aggregates
• Fencers
• Local accommodation

We have produced indicative visualisations and wirelines to help give an impression of what the wind farm could look like from different viewpoints in the area (based on the preliminary 22 turbine layout). Click on the links below to view.

Viewpoint 1 - High Stenries

Viewpoint 4 - Milltown

Viewpopint 6 - B6318 northwest of Claygate

Viewpoint 7 - Langholm Bridge

Viewpoint 8 - Malcolm Monument, Langholm

Viewpoint 10 - Burnswick Hill Fort