East Lothian wind plan could power 32,000 homes

PARTIAL consent has been granted for a wind farm in East Lothian – which could provide power to more than 32,000 homes and create jobs.

The Aikengall II wind farm, planned for south of Innerwick, is expected to have 19 turbines and generate up to 68.4 megawatts. The scheme will lead to around £98 million capital investment, the majority of which will be spent in Scotland, and its construction will create around 100 jobs.

The consented scheme, however, has three fewer turbines than the developer had applied for, which is a bid to mitigate the visual impact of the turbines on the Oldhamstocks Conservation Area.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “The Aikengall II windfarm will create jobs both in its construction and during its lifetime, as well as having the capacity to supply more than 32,000 homes with renewable electricity and displace around 77,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

“The development will lead to £98m of capital investment, mostly spent in Scotland.”