Outh Muir
REG WINDPOWER PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Outh Muir Turbines Turbine Height Total MW
Outh Muir WIND FARM
8 115m 24MW up to
up to up to
Welcome Thank you for coming to this community consultation exhibition about REG Windpower’s proposal to develop a wind farm at Outh Muir, north east of Knockhill Racing Circuit.
We are committed to developing this project with the input of local residents and their representatives. The project team is here to answer any questions you may have, and we invite you to fill in a feedback form.
Today’s exhibition outlines our draft proposal, indicates next steps in developing the wind This is the first of several opportunities you will farm and the community benefit investment and have to comment. We will be holding more provides an opportunity for you to comment. events in early 2013. Over the coming months, you can also feedback via our website REG Windpower is among the UK’s renewable www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk and phone line energy trailblazers, starting life as Cornwall Light 0800 088 4322 (calls from landlines are free). and Power back in 1989. We currently own and operate 11 wind farms across the UK with another two under construction.
We look forward to hearing from you.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
About Outh Muir Wind Farm
Outh Muir site location
The wind farm, based on the installation of eight 3MW wind turbines, could produce enough renewable electricity to meet the equivalent annual needs of around 9,500 households (based on local wind data and DECC figures for domestic electricity consumption in 2010).
Finding the right site We strive to ensure our projects have minimal impact on the local area and consider a number of factors before we decide to proceed, including: • Suitable wind speed • Compliance with planning policy • Minimal effect on locally or nationally designated environments • Viable grid connections • Suitable access routes for construction • Aviation routes
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
About Outh Muir Wind Farm The Outh Muir site The site is across the A823 north east of Knockhill Racing Circuit, approximately 5km (3.1 miles) north east of Saline and 6.5km (4 miles) north west of Kelty. The site mainly comprises upland grazing with limited patches of woodland. Initial surveys to determine the existing environmental baseline of the site started in early 2011 and will continue until 2013.
The proposed wind farm Scoping layout
Initial site assessments indicate that the Outh Muir site could accommodate up to eight wind turbines. This has been considered in the initial layout which has been developed for the site, shown above. This layout considers eight turbines with a maximum height of 115 metres from base to blade tip. Each turbine will have a generating capacity of up to 3MW. The development will also include the following: • An anemometer mast to measure wind speed • A permanent access route from the A823 • Access tracks and underground cabling • An electrical substation • Temporary site office and construction area An electrical substation and control building will be built on site, enabling operation of the wind farm, and providing its connection to the local grid.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
Outh Muir
REG WINDPOWER
WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Community consultation We understand that even people who support wind farms can become anxious that their local area may become over populated with wind farms, or that wind turbines will be built in inappropriate locations. In reality, planning authorities are unlikely to allow this to happen. We use the consultation process to ensure that our developments are as sensitive as possible to local opinion.
How we will work with you
Community benefit
In September 2012, we started actively seeking feedback, comments and suggestions from local residents, and began meeting with elected officials, statutory consultees and other interest groups to find out their views.
We always aim to maximise investment in communities, including engaging local contractors whenever possible and establishing community funds.
We have launched a website at www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk and a consultation phone line on 0800 088 4322 (calls from landlines are free), to ensure everyone has the chance to submit feedback. We will hold two rounds of public exhibitions, one in October 2012 and one in early 2013, then submit a planning application to Fife Council.
Every community has different needs, so we are as flexible as possible in designing a fund that suits local requirements. At Outh Muir, we are proposing £5,000 per installed MW per year. For the eight turbine project we currently propose, the community could benefit by £120,000 each year. If the project changes in size, the community fund will reflect this. REG Windpower would be happy to make a proportion of this money available up-front if there are specific projects or causes that would benefit from a larger lump sum. Wind farms can fund a range of initiatives such as education projects, regeneration, wildlife or tourism initiatives. Please fill in a feedback form to give us your ideas.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
Outh Muir
REG WINDPOWER
WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Outh Muir and Fife’s leading role in green energy
Photomontage showing the initial Scoping Layout (8 turbines at 115m to blade tip) from Viewpoint at Knockhill (OSGR 305418, 693809). Included angle of view 72 degrees. Camera used Canon EOS 5D. Direction of view 60 degrees. Distance to nearest turbine 1.6km. Viewing distance circa 415mm.
Located next to Knockhill Racing Circuit, the Outh Muir Wind Farm will add to the growing number of renewable energy projects in Fife, complementing work by other businesses using technologies such as hydrogen and offshore wind. Taken together, this mix of projects can help create the right local conditions for sustainable economic development so that Fife is able to reap the rewards of the growth in low carbon energy. Community benefit payments from onshore wind farms are just one way in which green energy projects can help support communities.
Residents and community groups have the opportunity to help shape our proposal, which we plan to submit to Fife Council in 2013.
Fife is already developing the skills required by the renewable energy industry, with further education colleges training a new workforce that will help attract employers and investment to the area. In addition, the development of the Energy Park with offshore wind turbine testing facilities at Methil has created a manufacturing and research hub. Renewable energy projects must be developed while preserving Fife’s natural beauty, which is why REG Windpower is taking great care to work with planners, elected officials and local communities at early stages, to ensure the Outh Muir Wind Farm is appropriate for the local area.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Studying the site at Outh Muir Preferred transport route
Although wind farms require plenty of space to operate, their actual footprint is very small. Typically they only occupy around one per cent of the site.
We know that Outh Muir has suitable wind speeds and meets a range of other requirements. Over the coming months we will continue to carry out a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment to examine the wind farm’s potential effects on the environment. The EIA will cover a wide range of topics including: • Ecology and ornithology • Geology and hydrology • Landscape and visual impact • Noise • Shadow flicker • Telecoms and aviation • Traffic and transport • Air quality
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Outh Muir Wind Farm and its local environment
Photomontage showing the initial Scoping Layout (8 turbines at 115m to blade tip) from Viewpoint at Craigluscar Hill (OSGR 306510, 691275). Included angle of view 72 degrees. Camera used Canon EOS 5D. Direction of view 11 degrees. Distance to nearest turbine 3.1km. Viewing distance circa 415mm.
Our planning application will be informed by a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, with support from specialist ecologists, ornithologists and landscape architects. We have been undertaking ecological and ornithological surveys over an extended period. We have a good understanding of the habitats and species that Outh Muir supports and we have drawn upon this knowledge in developing
the proposals to date. Our assessment will consider the possible effects of the wind farm on these. We will also be consulting with organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, the Fife Nature Records Centre and the Botanical Society of the British Isles for information on species of conservation interest within and adjacent to our proposed site.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Outh Muir WIND FARM
Next steps For more information Visit
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
Call free on 0800 088 4322
Thank you for attending this community consultation exhibition. In early 2013, we will hold more community exhibition events to give people another chance to comment on proposals and put forward suggestions for community benefit projects and initiatives. We will then submit a formal planning application to Fife Council and you will have a further opportunity to comment by formally submitting feedback to the local authority. We are keen to collect views from the local community, so we would be grateful if you could fill in one of our feedback forms. If you wish, you can submit the survey by post – just take one of the postage paid envelopes away with you today.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
Outh Muir Turbines Turbine Height Total MW
Outh Muir WIND FARM
8 115m 24MW up to
up to up to
Welcome Thank you for coming to this community consultation exhibition about REG Windpower’s proposal to develop a wind farm at Outh Muir, north east of Knockhill Racing Circuit.
We are committed to developing this project with the input of local residents and their representatives. The project team is here to answer any questions you may have, and we invite you to fill in a feedback form.
Today’s exhibition outlines our draft proposal, indicates next steps in developing the wind This is the first of several opportunities you will farm and the community benefit investment and have to comment. We will be holding more provides an opportunity for you to comment. events in early 2013. Over the coming months, you can also feedback via our website REG Windpower is among the UK’s renewable www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk and phone line energy trailblazers, starting life as Cornwall Light 0800 088 4322 (calls from landlines are free). and Power back in 1989. We currently own and operate 11 wind farms across the UK with another two under construction.
We look forward to hearing from you.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
About Outh Muir Wind Farm
Outh Muir site location
The wind farm, based on the installation of eight 3MW wind turbines, could produce enough renewable electricity to meet the equivalent annual needs of around 9,500 households (based on local wind data and DECC figures for domestic electricity consumption in 2010).
Finding the right site We strive to ensure our projects have minimal impact on the local area and consider a number of factors before we decide to proceed, including: • Suitable wind speed • Compliance with planning policy • Minimal effect on locally or nationally designated environments • Viable grid connections • Suitable access routes for construction • Aviation routes
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
About Outh Muir Wind Farm The Outh Muir site The site is across the A823 north east of Knockhill Racing Circuit, approximately 5km (3.1 miles) north east of Saline and 6.5km (4 miles) north west of Kelty. The site mainly comprises upland grazing with limited patches of woodland. Initial surveys to determine the existing environmental baseline of the site started in early 2011 and will continue until 2013.
The proposed wind farm Scoping layout
Initial site assessments indicate that the Outh Muir site could accommodate up to eight wind turbines. This has been considered in the initial layout which has been developed for the site, shown above. This layout considers eight turbines with a maximum height of 115 metres from base to blade tip. Each turbine will have a generating capacity of up to 3MW. The development will also include the following: • An anemometer mast to measure wind speed • A permanent access route from the A823 • Access tracks and underground cabling • An electrical substation • Temporary site office and construction area An electrical substation and control building will be built on site, enabling operation of the wind farm, and providing its connection to the local grid.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
Outh Muir
REG WINDPOWER
WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Community consultation We understand that even people who support wind farms can become anxious that their local area may become over populated with wind farms, or that wind turbines will be built in inappropriate locations. In reality, planning authorities are unlikely to allow this to happen. We use the consultation process to ensure that our developments are as sensitive as possible to local opinion.
How we will work with you
Community benefit
In September 2012, we started actively seeking feedback, comments and suggestions from local residents, and began meeting with elected officials, statutory consultees and other interest groups to find out their views.
We always aim to maximise investment in communities, including engaging local contractors whenever possible and establishing community funds.
We have launched a website at www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk and a consultation phone line on 0800 088 4322 (calls from landlines are free), to ensure everyone has the chance to submit feedback. We will hold two rounds of public exhibitions, one in October 2012 and one in early 2013, then submit a planning application to Fife Council.
Every community has different needs, so we are as flexible as possible in designing a fund that suits local requirements. At Outh Muir, we are proposing £5,000 per installed MW per year. For the eight turbine project we currently propose, the community could benefit by £120,000 each year. If the project changes in size, the community fund will reflect this. REG Windpower would be happy to make a proportion of this money available up-front if there are specific projects or causes that would benefit from a larger lump sum. Wind farms can fund a range of initiatives such as education projects, regeneration, wildlife or tourism initiatives. Please fill in a feedback form to give us your ideas.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
Outh Muir
REG WINDPOWER
WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Outh Muir and Fife’s leading role in green energy
Photomontage showing the initial Scoping Layout (8 turbines at 115m to blade tip) from Viewpoint at Knockhill (OSGR 305418, 693809). Included angle of view 72 degrees. Camera used Canon EOS 5D. Direction of view 60 degrees. Distance to nearest turbine 1.6km. Viewing distance circa 415mm.
Located next to Knockhill Racing Circuit, the Outh Muir Wind Farm will add to the growing number of renewable energy projects in Fife, complementing work by other businesses using technologies such as hydrogen and offshore wind. Taken together, this mix of projects can help create the right local conditions for sustainable economic development so that Fife is able to reap the rewards of the growth in low carbon energy. Community benefit payments from onshore wind farms are just one way in which green energy projects can help support communities.
Residents and community groups have the opportunity to help shape our proposal, which we plan to submit to Fife Council in 2013.
Fife is already developing the skills required by the renewable energy industry, with further education colleges training a new workforce that will help attract employers and investment to the area. In addition, the development of the Energy Park with offshore wind turbine testing facilities at Methil has created a manufacturing and research hub. Renewable energy projects must be developed while preserving Fife’s natural beauty, which is why REG Windpower is taking great care to work with planners, elected officials and local communities at early stages, to ensure the Outh Muir Wind Farm is appropriate for the local area.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Studying the site at Outh Muir Preferred transport route
Although wind farms require plenty of space to operate, their actual footprint is very small. Typically they only occupy around one per cent of the site.
We know that Outh Muir has suitable wind speeds and meets a range of other requirements. Over the coming months we will continue to carry out a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment to examine the wind farm’s potential effects on the environment. The EIA will cover a wide range of topics including: • Ecology and ornithology • Geology and hydrology • Landscape and visual impact • Noise • Shadow flicker • Telecoms and aviation • Traffic and transport • Air quality
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER
Outh Muir WIND FARM
PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Outh Muir Wind Farm and its local environment
Photomontage showing the initial Scoping Layout (8 turbines at 115m to blade tip) from Viewpoint at Craigluscar Hill (OSGR 306510, 691275). Included angle of view 72 degrees. Camera used Canon EOS 5D. Direction of view 11 degrees. Distance to nearest turbine 3.1km. Viewing distance circa 415mm.
Our planning application will be informed by a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, with support from specialist ecologists, ornithologists and landscape architects. We have been undertaking ecological and ornithological surveys over an extended period. We have a good understanding of the habitats and species that Outh Muir supports and we have drawn upon this knowledge in developing
the proposals to date. Our assessment will consider the possible effects of the wind farm on these. We will also be consulting with organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, the Fife Nature Records Centre and the Botanical Society of the British Isles for information on species of conservation interest within and adjacent to our proposed site.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
REG WINDPOWER PA R T O F T H E R E G G R O U P
Outh Muir WIND FARM
Next steps For more information Visit
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
Call free on 0800 088 4322
Thank you for attending this community consultation exhibition. In early 2013, we will hold more community exhibition events to give people another chance to comment on proposals and put forward suggestions for community benefit projects and initiatives. We will then submit a formal planning application to Fife Council and you will have a further opportunity to comment by formally submitting feedback to the local authority. We are keen to collect views from the local community, so we would be grateful if you could fill in one of our feedback forms. If you wish, you can submit the survey by post – just take one of the postage paid envelopes away with you today.
www.outhmuirwindfarm.co.uk
