EDF to develop 54 MW wind project in Scotland
A 54 MW joint venture between EDF Energy Renewables, a UK unit of French utility EDF, and Wind Prospect Group, has been given the green light by the Scottish government. The Braemore wind project was originally launched in 2012 with 27 turbines, before Wind Prospect reduced the number to 16. The scheme was rejected in 2015, but given the go-ahead on appeal. Scottish ministers said the project, set to generate 126 MWh annually when completed, would contribute to the country's aim of providing the equivalent of half of its electricity needs using renewables by 2030.
The Scottish government last week announced it has granted planning permission to a 54-MW wind project in the Scottish Highlands proposed by local firm Wind Prospect Developments.

The developer is a joint venture of renewables consultancy Wind Prospect Group and EDF Energy Renewables (EDF ER), a UK subsidiary of French utility EDF (EPA:EDF). Under the so-called Braemore project, it plans to install 18 turbines of 3 MW each at a site near the village of Lairg, Sutherland county.

The Section 36 scheme was given the green light after a rejection by Scotland’s Highland Council in 2015 that was followed by an appeal case. The developer's initial proposal was launched back in 2012 and has been in the permitting stages since then. Originally, Wind Prospect filed the project with a 27-turbine layout but amended it twice by removing three turbines in 2012 and an additional six machines a year later.

In their decision, Scottish Ministers have ruled out that the 54-MW plan will have no significant effects on the landscape and will contribute to the government's target for renewables to provide the equivalent of 50% of Scotland's heat, transport and electricity needs by 2030. According to the government's renewable electricity output calculator, the Braemore plant is expected to generate 126,089 MWh of electricity annually.

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