Potential of the National Forest Estate for wind and hydro power
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is working to develop the wind and hydro power potential of the land and forests that we manage for Scottish ministers, also known as the National Forest Estate. The estate covers nearly 10% of Scotland.
Wind and hydro power provide clean and renewable sources of electricity which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Scottish Government has a target of generating 100% of Scotland's gross annual electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020.
It will take time for newer technologies, such as offshore wind and tidal power, to come on stream. Over the next few years, onshore wind farms will deliver the majority of new capacity in renewable electricity generation. There is also some scope for further hydro power, especially with small, run-of-river schemes.
In addition to leasing land for renewables projects, FCS may be able to consider joint ventures with developers and local communities. The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 already gives the Commission powers to enter into joint ventures, and an order under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 can be used to make the necessary modification to the Commission's functions.
Aims for developing the National Forest Estate:
Our aim is to ensure that the potential of the National Forest Estate is developed in ways that:
- contribute to the Scottish Government’s renewable energy target
- maximise financial returns from the National Forest Estate.
- secure benefits for local communities.
More information
For more details please contact Forest Renewables.
Email: contactFoRe@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
Telephone: 01786 435603.
News release
Communities to benefit from windfarm boost (22 February 2011).
List of current wind and hydro schemes
The spreadsheet below contains a list of wind and hydro developments on Forestry Commission Scotland land, from those already operational to those in planning. The information on this spreadsheet does not include any of the developments to be undertaken through the commercially negotiated Hydro and Wind "Lots" process. See links on the left hand side for more information on these sites. Information is updated quarterly.
