Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Renewable Energy Production on a Regional Basis
6.4.18 The Scottish Government issued the Climate Change Delivery Plan, entitled ‘Meeting
Scotland’s Statutory Climate Change Targets 11 ’ in June 2009. The Plan sets out the high level
measures required in each sector to meet Scotland’s statutory climate change targets to 2020
as set in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the work to be done over the next
decade to prepare for the more radical changes needed by 2030 if the 80% emission reduction
target is to be achieved.
6.4.19 For the electricity sector, targets have been set for the percentage of electricity demand which
should be met from renewable energy sources by 2020. The current target is for 80% of
Scotland’s electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2020. This 80% target
(which is not a cap) translates into a requirement for some 13.4GW 12 of installed renewable
energy capacity.
6.4.20 The proposed 10MW scheme at Forthbank has the potential to meet approximately 0.1% of
the target of renewable energy generation in Scotland.
6.5 Cumulative Effects
6.5.1 Potential cumulative effects have been considered, however no further cumulative effects have
been identified.
6.6 Assessment of Significance Effects
6.6.1 The potential for adverse effects on local air quality during the construction and decommissioning
phases is considered to be minor and temporary, and therefore not significant.
6.6.2 An operational wind farm produces no notable atmospheric emissions. The operation of the
proposed wind energy development will therefore have no discernible adverse effects on local
or national air quality.
6.6.3 In summary, it can be concluded that the energy generated by the operation of the proposed
wind energy development could supply the equivalent electricity need for a significant number
(5,710) of homes and would have a significant positive effect on reducing CO 2 emissions. In
addition, the proposed wind energy development has the potential to meet a proportion of the
wind energy target for Scotland (approximately 0.1% of the target).
6.6.4 This is considered to be a positive effect that is substantial, and therefore significant in terms of
the EIA Regulations.
6.7 References
1 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/09/23134359
2 http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/publications/dukes/
November 2010 Chapter 6 Page 6
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