Developers behind proposals for a new windfarm in the Vale of Leven that could power more than 50,000 homes are holding an additional exhibition event for residents.
The ‘drop-in’ consultation takes place at Loch Lomond Rugby Club on Thursday March 23, and will run from 2pm to 7pm.
Developers say they will showcase plans for the windfarm and battery storage proposal.
The consultation event follows on from a recent Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council meeting and a request by residents at the meeting to hold an event at the rugby club for nearby households.
Developers say that the wind farm proposal includes a proposed community benefit package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity, which would generate £350,000 every year (index linked) for the lifetime of the project.
In addition to financial benefits, developers Coriolis Energy say that there is the opportunity for community or shared ownership, giving locals the option to invest in and have a stake in the wind farm.
However residents, especially in the nearby Beechwood estate, have outlined concerns over the visual impact of the turbines - as well as concerns over noise and ‘solar flicker’, when a turbine passes over the sun causing a flashing effect.
The windfarm proposal, located at Auchenreoch Muir, is for 10 turbines up to 250m to tip in height and with a capacity of 70MW. If approved these would be the largest onshore turbines in Scotland.
The proposal was originally for 19 turbines, however this has been reduced through further studies. Plans also involve the co-location of battery storage on site to maximise the use of the grid connection.
If approved then developers believe that the project could deliver enough renewable energy to power over 52,000 homes, making an important contribution towards the Scottish Government and West Dunbartonshire Council’s net zero targets.
Coriolis Energy plan to hold ‘Meet the Developer’ events for local businesses later in 2023 to outline the opportunities connected to the construction and operation/maintenance of the windfarm should it be approved.
James Baird, Coriolis Energy project manager for the Vale of Leven proposal said: “We are holding an additional exhibition after a request from residents to hold an event at the Loch Lomond Rugby Club and we look forward to presenting our plans and receiving further feedback from local residents and community representatives.”
