Nadara proposes to replace the existing turbines with fewer, larger turbines. If approved, Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm Repowering will provide clean, green electricity to help power a more sustainable future.

Proposed development layout

Wind turbines

The Proposed Development will have up to 7 turbines with tip heights of up to 149.9 m with a total generating capacity of approximately 33.6 MW.

Construction and access

  • The entrance to the Proposed Development site for vehicles delivering both construction materials and turbine components would be from an existing junction with the A85 at Fearnoch Forest to the north of the Site, which would require widening.
  • Access to the Site would be taken along the forestry track through Fearnoch Forest and then along Glen Lonan Road (C32) before connecting with the existing Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm site entrance.
  • The existing forestry track running through Fearnoch Forest will be upgraded.
  • The onsite track network would use the existing wind farm tracks where possible, with new sections of tracks required to access infrastructure locations.
  • Two temporary construction compounds and a number of watercourse crossings will also be required to enable wind farm construction.
  • Watercourse crossings will be designed in accordance with Scottish Government best practice and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) guidelines to enable the passage of fish and other wildlife.
  • Crushed stone will be used to construct new tracks, lay turbine foundations and create temporary hardstanding areas.

Community benefits

The existing Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm has delivered significant community benefit funding to date. Nadara is committed to setting up a community benefit fund comprising £5,000 per MW installed per annum which could deliver a minimum £5.9 million of community benefit funding over 35 years (assuming an installed capacity of 33.6 MW). In addition, through direct employment and supply chain opportunities, the project will help strengthen local economies and align with community wealth-building principles.

Biodiversity enhancement

Repowering an existing wind farm provides the opportunity to make efficient use of land by reusing existing infrastructure and reducing the need for additional ground disturbance; this can help minimise environmental impacts of the new energy development, while simultaneously creating opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and habitat restoration. The biodiversity enhancement management plans for the Proposed Development will support local wildlife, improve ecological connectivity and mitigate potential impacts on sensitive species.