ScottishPower want to build the UK's largest windfarm
ScottishPower has unveiled plans to build the UK's biggest windfarm on moors 10 miles south of Glasgow.
The £150 million project proposes to construct around 140 turbines on hills at Whitelee Forest, on Eaglesham Moor.
The company said around 300 jobs would be created during the construction phase and the finished windfarm would be capable of generating enough electricity to power 150,000 homes.
The plan is being backed by environmental and conservation groups who say it will have a minimum effect on the surrounding area.
ScottishPower said that Whitelee was selected for the site of the new windfarm based on a range of environmental, social demographic and technical criteria.
The company estimates that the windfarm would cut annual emissions of CO2 by around 500,000 tonnes and meet nearly one third of the government's renewable energy targets for Scotland.
It also said that £12m in construction contracts would be open for tender to local companies helping to create around 300 jobs.
But before the company can proceed it has to gain planning permission and overcome any objections from the nearby communities.
The Executive is aware of the proposals and ScottishPower plans to press ahead on consultation with local people next week.
Green benefits
The company said it would complete a full environmental assessment by autumn and put the proposals before local planning authorities.
If they are approved the windfarm could begin operations by 2003.
ScottishPower executive director, Ken Vowles, said the company was "on target to meet government requirements to provide 10% of our generation from renewable sources".
The perceived green benefits of the scheme, however, won it backing from environmental and conservation groups who were consulted during the planning process.
Kevin Dunion, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: "We welcome wind farm proposals which provide energy close to the point of use, and we are also pleased that this proposal allows for full community consultation."
Stuart Housden, Scottish director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said: "We support the expansion of renewable energy generation in Scotland and have been pleased to advise ScottishPower on locational issues to avoid damaging key wildlife sites."
ScottishPower said it would be working with landowners West of Scotland Water and Forest Enterprise to make a number of environmental improvements if the windfarm was approved.
These include the addition of a visitor centre, and greater public access through provision of footpaths and cycle-ways.
A new area of moorland will be also be created
and remaining forest restructured to create a
greater diversity of wildlife and habitats.
-- Anonymous, August 01, 2001