Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
4 Description of the Proposed Development
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 The planning application is for “the erection, 25 year operation and subsequent
decommissioning of four wind turbines, each with a maximum overall height (to vertical blade
tip) of up to 125m, together with new and upgraded access tracks, temporary works, hard
standing areas, a control and metering building, cabling and an anemometry mast”.
4.1.2 It is proposed that after generating electricity for 25 years the proposed wind energy
development will be removed or an application made for further planning permission to extend
the duration of operation at the site in accordance with a scheme to be agreed with
Clackmannanshire Council.
4.1.3 The proposed wind energy development will require a connection to the local electricity
network to export electricity. The connection will likely be made at Kelliebank substation.
Scottish Power (SP) Energy Networks has confirmed that a viable grid connection can be
made. The target date for completion is March 2012. The grid connection for the proposed
wind energy development will be subject to a separate application under Section 37 of the
Electricity Act 1989.
4.2 Scheme Layout
4.2.1 The proposal is to construct and operate a wind energy development at the Forthbank site
comprising:
• four variable pitch (three-bladed) wind turbines each with a hub height of 80m and
blade length of 45m. Each turbine is likely to generate up to 2.5MW of renewable
energy, providing an overall installed capacity of 10MW;
• one reinforced concrete ‘gravity’ foundation and three deep piled foundations
typically up to 20m in diameter;
• crane hard-standing/laydown areas adjacent to each wind turbine;
• a single storey, pitched roof site control building;
• new and upgraded existing on-site access tracks;
• a temporary hard-cored construction compound;
• underground electrical and SCADA 1 cabling linking each wind turbine with the site
control building; and
• a permanent 80m metrological mast – to include weather recording equipment,
complete with electrical supply and reinforced concrete.
November 2010 Chapter 4 Page 1
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