Gòb Sgùrabhal Community Wind Turbine Receives Planning Permission

1 December, 2009 - 11:29 — admin

Gòb Sgùrabhal Community Wind Turbine Receives Planning Permission

Coimhearsnachd Bharraidh agus Bhatarsaidh Ltd’s project to install and commission a 900kW community wind turbine at Gòb Sgùrabhal has taken an important step forward. Full planning permission for proposed development has been granted subject to compliance with conditions. The decision notice is available online at http://planning.cne-siar.gov.uk/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchresults.aspx (application reference no. 09/00268). (use tinyurl) - tinyurl.com/sgurabhal)
 
Discussions are under way with a potential turbine manufacturer, ENERCON with a formal offer for the supply of an E-44 turbine having been received. The calculated yield estimation report for the E-44 turbine on the basis of data from the 40m meteorological mast at Gòb Sgùrabhal compiled by ENERCON was exceptional. The average wind speed (10.1 m/s) was close to the upper limit for a class 1 turbine. As a consequence of the high average wind speed, the hub height of the turbine will 10m lower than that requested in the planning application, 45m as opposed to 55m, with the maximum height to blade tip of the turbine being 67m.
 
Much still remains to be done before the local community can benefit from the revenue this project will generate; including securing agreements both locally and further a field relating to matters such as a grid connection date, a power purchase agreement and putting into place the finance for the project.