Scotland approves two wind energy projects
LONDON (Reuters) - The Scottish government has given the go-ahead to two wind power projects, including one held up in the planning system for five years, that could supply enough clean energy for about 43,000 homes, it said on Friday.
The 29-turbine Berry Burn wind farm near Forres will have a capacity of 78 megawatts (MW), while a 15-MW expansion of the 20-turbine Millennium wind farm near Fort Augustus will increase the capacity to 65 MW.
"I am delighted to approve further investment to develop our vast natural potential, create more jobs and fuel the clean, green energy revolution," Energy Minister Jim Mather said.
"Renewable energy is a key sector for Scotland and will help drive our economic recovery."
In contrast to legislators in London, Scotland has ruled out building new nuclear power plants to replace its aging reactors and plans to meet half of its electricity demand from renewables by 2020.
"Our comprehensive climate change laws demand that we continue to support good projects that reduce emissions and help Scotland become a global role model for a sustainable, low carbon economy," Mather said in a statement.
Total installed renewables capacity in Scotland is over 3 gigawatts (GW).
Catamount Energy and Force 9 Energy applied for consent for the Berry Burn wind farm in 2004 but the project was held up by objections from anglers and environmentalists.
Millennium Wind Energy Limited applied for consent to add six turbines in Janury 2009.
(Reporting by Daniel Fineren)
