This week, we’re handing the blog over to BayWa r.e., who are embarking on the Corriegarth 2 Project, an expansion of the Corriegarth Windfarm, and promises to inject approximately £11 million of project spend into the Highlands economy.
“As we at BayWa r.e. are working to develop our Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm project near Gorthleck, finding ways to support the Highland economy remains a priority for us as it has throughout the planning process. Renewable energy projects are not just necessary to reach Scotland’s net zero targets and help secure home grown energy for the UK, but they also bring a host of benefits to local economies.”
BayWa r.e. was recently granted planning approval for its Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm project near Gorthleck and south-east of Foyers in the Highlands. The project is an extension to the already operational Corriegarth Wind Farm, which is owned by Greencoat UK Wind Plc. We are delighted to reach this significant milestone and progress this exciting project, which will provide many benefits to the Highlands throughout the construction and operational phases.
Supplying Domestically Generated Energy
With recent global developments, it has never been more important to generate energy domestically and avoid dependencies on foreign supply of fossil fuels. Wind farms, such as Corriegarth 2, play an essential role in strengthening the UK’s energy security through a diversified mix of domestic power generation. Corriegarth 2 alone will be able to produce enough renewable energy to meet approximately 82% of the domestic electricity demand in Inverness.
What Will Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm Look Like?
Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm will consist of 14 wind turbines, each with a maximum tip height of 149.9 meters. Combined, these turbines will have an installed capacity of up to approximately 70 MW, which will generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of around 49,500 homes per year with clean, renewable energy. The development site has many advantages to building alongside an existing wind farm not least the use of existing infrastructure from the adjacent Corriegarth Wind Farm, minimising environmental impacts and disruption to local communities during construction. This shared infrastructure includes access roads and the overhead powerline connection to the national grid substation at Farigaig.
Why Do We Need Projects Like Corriegath 2 Wind Farm?
In 2019, Scotland declared a “climate emergency”, acknowledging the need to reduce carbon emissions. Subsequently, the government published an energy strategy document, which sets out the target of supplying the equivalent of 50% of the energy for Scotland’s consumption for heat, transport, and electricity from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, by 2030. To meet this ambitious target, approximately 20 GW of onshore wind will have to be installed in Scotland, and projects, such as Corriegarth 2, will contribute to this as a vital component of Scotland’s energy portfolio.
What Is The Timeline For Corriegarth 2?
An application to build the wind farm was submitted to the Scottish Government in January 2021 and the wind farm received consent in late 2023. Over the next year we will be focussing on starting construction of Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm. The work to be undertaken includes conducting the geological investigations at the site, discharging the pre-commencement planning conditions including continuing a number of ecological surveys and tendering the key contracts for the civils, electrical and turbine components. This process will inform the timescales for construction which is currently expected to start in 2025 and be completed by 2027.
You can find out more about the Corriegarth 2 Wind Farm project here:
Supporting the Highland Economy
Corriegarth 2 is estimated to inject £32 million into the Scottish economy, with £11 million to be spent in the Highlands – values which will have a real and tangible benefit to local businesses. As a range of services will be required, not just during construction but also the operation of the wind farm, there will be many long term opportunities for local businesses. As a member of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, we are looking forward to connecting with local business owners to provide information about supply chain opportunities that Corriegarth 2 will provide.
Improving The Highland’s Environment
For Corriegarth 2, it was especially important to the project team to focus on conserving the environment of the Highlands for generations to come via a comprehensive biodiversity and habitat enhancement scheme. The project proposal includes an innovative plan to restore 100 hectares of peatland; peat provides an incredible and effective means of capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it for millennia as well as enriching habitat for flora and fauna. The Corriegarth 2 team has also committed to support the established and successful Regional Eagle Conservation Management Plan in its work in researching and conserving golden eagles in and around the Monadhliaths. All in all, the Corriegarth 2 project will bring a range of benefits to the Highland region, and we are looking forward to working with the Inverness Chamber of Commerce to explore how we can maximise these benefits for both its members and the local community.
Engaging With The Local Community
As a responsible developer, it is important to us that our projects make a positive impact on local communities. This is why we have committed to an annual community benefit payment of more than £330,000 for Corriegarth 2. Over the operational lifetime of the project, £6.6 million will be made available as a reliable source of funding that can be used to support initiatives that are important to the local community.