Benefits
Investment in the local economy
The proposed wind farm, if consented, would continue to build on the success of the renewable energy sector in Scotland. It would provide a vital economic boost, creating skilled, sustainable jobs and help to drive a cleaner and more resilient economy.
New onshore wind, alongside other renewable technologies, are the cheapest forms of new renewable electricity generation and it is imperative that we deliver clean, low cost electricity as efficiently as possible for consumers. Bloch would be capable of providing clean, low cost renewable electricity for around 91,000 homes1 every year.
Bloch Wind Farm is predicted to deliver:
- An estimated total capital expenditure (CAPEX) of up to £94.5 million, and that Dumfries and Galloway could secure contracts worth £8.5 million, the South of Scotland could secure contracts worth £10.2 million in spending and Scotland as a whole £30.6 million in contracts.
- An estimated 76 job years in Dumfries and Galloway, 93 job years in the South of Scotland and 391 job years in Scotland during construction.
- Boost the local economy by approximately £5.9 million gross value added (GVA), the South of Scotland economy by approximately £6.8 million GVA and the economy of Scotland by £27.2 million GVA during the construction.
- 8.5 full time equivalent jobs in Dumfries and Galloway, 8.5 full time equivalent jobs in the South of Scotland and 25.5 full time equivalent jobs in Scotland during the operational phase.
- Over £57 million in business rates over its lifetime, supporting vital local services.
Community benefit
If consented, Bloch Wind Farm would provide a community benefit fund worth £27 million over its operational lifetime.
We are working directly with representatives from Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk, Canonbie and District, Middlebie and Waterbeck, Kirtle and Eaglesfield and Kirkpatrick Fleming Community Councils, to progress a tailored community benefit package, aligned with the communities priorities.
1 Calculated from the most recent statistics from Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) showing that annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239 kWh (as of January 2024, updated annually).