Potential economic benefits from the Lynemore Wind Farm – situated approximately 2km Southwest of the A9 at Moy – are now in focus as the project opens formal supplier registration, inviting local businesses in the Highland Council area to express interest in partnering with the developer.
Local businesses across the Highlands are encouraged to register for commercial opportunities emerging from the proposed Lynemore Wind Farm. Renewable energy developer Galileo Empower has already received several expressions of interest and aims to simplify and streamline the process for local suppliers and contractors.
The proposed development, located in Highland Council’s jurisdiction, features a capacity of up to 98MW, plus a 20MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The wind farm is anticipated to generate substantial economic benefits across the region during the construction and operational phases.
According to Biggar Economics, the project involves an estimated total capital investment of £116 million, projected to yield significant local economic benefits, including:
- £12 million in GVA to the Highland economy during construction, with £33 million in GVA for Scotland overall.
- 170 job years in Highland and 480 job years nationally during the construction phase.
- £1.2 million per year in business rates for local services.
- Annual GVA of £1.1 million within the Highlands and £2.7 million for Scotland during the operational phase, supporting 9 jobs locally and 26 across Scotland.
Galileo is committed to prioritising local suppliers and contractors wherever feasible in all stages of wind farm development. The developer is also working with local chambers of commerce to boost awareness of the opportunities available within the local supply chain.
A planning application for Lynemore Wind Farm will be submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) in early 2025. Led by Galileo’s Project Manager, Neil Thomson, the team encourages businesses of all sizes to connect with the project team for updates on commercial opportunities as they arise. Supplier registration is now open via the project website.
Neil Thomson, Project Manager, commented: “Through ongoing engagement with the local community, we’ve emphasised our commitment to employing local businesses and contractors in every aspect of wind farm development, hence opening this portal to facilitate their involvement.”
Independent estimates forecast £33 million in GVA to be spent within the Scottish economy during the project’s development and construction, with £12 million benefiting the Highland Council area specifically. Up to £1.2 million per year in business rates will be generated, with additional benefits from a proposed community wealth fund.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, added: “It’s really encouraging to see Galileo open this portal which allows local businesses to register interest and will help to ensure they don’t miss any opportunities. We are encouraged by their ethos of showing preference to companies based in the Highlands. Renewable energy projects like Lynemore bring the potential for investment, jobs, and sustainable economic growth.”
Further details on Lynemore Wind Farm can be found at www.lynemorewindfarm.co.uk.