Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
15.3.29 Local contractors have already been employed in the design process of the proposed wind
energy development required to take it to the planning application stage. These impacts will
be primarily concentrated over a timescale of 1-2 years. Other expenditure will include
business rates and rents.
15.3.30 This expenditure has the potential to generate additional economic activity within the local
(ward) and Clackmannanshire Council areas, and more widely. Local and Scottish businesses
are well placed to be successful in winning work on the project, particularly given the proximity
of companies such as those mentioned above which could provide construction, engineering or
infrastructure advice and services to the proposed development.
15.3.31 The industrial nature of the Forth at this point and proximity to the Grangemouth/Longannet
complex, as well as industry in Alloa will also provide local expertise in similar energy
development construction and maintenance.
15.3.32 Subject to planning permission being granted, PfR would award a contract for the supply of
turbines. UK companies who assemble turbines or produce major turbine components include
Repower UK Limited, a joint venture between wind turbine company Repower Systems and
Cambridgeshire based Peter Brotherhood Limited and Welton Towers Limited factory in
Campbeltown, Scotland. UK companies will be encouraged to bid for work. However to date
most turbines erected in UK have been manufactured in Denmark or Germany because
manufacturing facilities in UK are limited. Criteria for wind turbine selection will be based upon
price specifications and guarantees to ensure that performance and technical specifications
are met in full. No certainty can therefore be given to the use of UK companies receiving these
contracts.
15.3.33 While it is acknowledged that the provision of money to the local community is not material in
planning terms, it can be noted that the proposed wind energy development will have the
potential to contribute to the local economy through provision of a community fund. The detail
of this will be finalised in discussion with Clackmannanshire Council.
Employment Impacts
15.3.34 A report by Fife Council 17 , neighbouring Clackmannanshire, has indicated that 2,000 jobs could
be created in Fife by firms in the renewable energy sector and companies in the supply chain.
As well as helping to create new jobs, it is expected that renewable energy will safeguard jobs
already in Fife, and presumably in neighbouring council areas. Although Fife is well located, to
benefit from renewable developments (Fife Energy Park has recently been developed in
Methil, for example), its neighbouring authorities also benefit from the same transport links,
and a similar workforce, meaning they are also likely to benefit from an increase in renewable
energy developments in the central belt of Scotland and further afield.
15.3.35 The design, development, construction, maintenance, monitoring and de-commissioning of the
proposed wind energy development will generate, and has already generated, employment in
the area. In addition, it will safeguard existing jobs in those companies directly involved in the
development.
November 2010 Chapter 15 Page 8
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©