Vattenfall will be starting its engagement process with local residents, communities and businesses with regard to a possible scheme six miles north of Grantown-on-Spey. The assessment of the project is still at an early stage and the company intend to run a number of information days in order to speak to as many local people as possible about the project, including householders, community groups and local business.
“Effective and early local engagement is at the heart of developing a scheme which brings the widest possible benefit to the area” said Frank Park, Vattenfall’s Project Manager for the proposed wind farm. “This early local engagement is a genuine opportunity to influence the research and assessment of the Ourack Wind Energy Project.”
Mr Park added that the company is hoping to encourage as many people, community groups and local businesses as possible to join company representatives at the information days to discuss any concerns they may have, as well as discussing how a wind farm can deliver the widest possible benefit from home-grown renewable energy.
An early assessment of the development area for the Ourack Wind Energy Project suggests that a major, commercial scheme could be feasible. The potential of such a scheme will be part of the dialogue with local people and form the basis of specialist research before a layout and final turbine number are set out in 2016.
Vattenfall already operates the 18-turbine Edinbane Wind Farm on the Isle of Skye and has also recently finished the construction of the 18-turbine Clashindarroch Wind Farm in Aberdeenshire. With four projects in development in Scotland, Vattenfall could invest £500m by 2021 and provide a major opportunity to Scottish business.
The company’s community engagement sessions are to take place as follows:
Edinkillie Hall, Dunphail
Wednesday 21 January 2015 – 2pm – 8pm
Inverallan Parish Church Hall, Grantown-on-Spey
Thursday 22 January 2015 – 2pm – 8pm
For additional information:
