Forestry Commission Scotland has today announced details of a new phase of forestry sites to be explored for wind energy potential.
The four sites, located in the Borders and central belt, are part of an overall Scottish Government drive to generate clean and renewable energy and reduce the affects of climate change.
The sites include two areas within the central belt – Heathland Forest and Carron Valley Forest; and two sites within the Borders – Wauchope Forest, and Cloich Forest.
In October 2009, the Commission split the national forest estate into six separate regions with the intention of appointing commercial partners to help it investigate and deliver wind energy projects. Partnerships for Renewables were appointed to cover the Borders and central belt area and will be working with the Commission to explore these chosen sites.
Suilven Weatherhead of the Commission’s Renewable Energy Business Unit said:
“To help the Scottish Government achieve its renewable energy targets, we are investigating the full wind energy potential of the estate over the coming years. Establishing a site’s suitability is a long and detailed process and we will be working with commercial partners to help us deliver this programme of work across Scotland.
“In the Borders and central belt, we are working with Partnerships for Renewables which was established by the Carbon Trust to work with the public sector to develop renewable energy projects. They share our commitment to only developing sites in appropriate locations and work with the local community throughout the development process.”
Alan Mathewson, from Partnerships for Renewables, said: “By reviewing the wind energy potential of Scotland’s forests, the Commission will be able to develop a wider strategic view of how it can most appropriately deliver wind energy across it’s estate. We are delighted to be playing a key part in this programme and will ensure that local communities are kept informed throughout our work, which could see some projects commissioned in approximately four years time.”
The four sites were chosen after extensive desk research and now more thorough studies will be undertaken by Partnerships for Renewables to explore the viability of these sites. Over the next two years, a further scoping report will be produced and masts will be located for monitoring wind energy potential. Full environmental studies will also be carried out and statutory and environmental bodies will be consulted before any decisions are taken on whether the location is suitable.
Notes to News Editors
1. The first phase of feasibility includes exploring four sites:
Central Belt
Heathland Forest (including - Woodmuir), north east of Forth
Carron Valley Forest, 5km north of Kilsyth
Borders
Wauchope Forest, south of Hawick, (including - Hyndlee, Lethem, Peel, Shankend, Whitrope)
Cloich Forest, near Eddleston
2. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate. For more detailed information on the Commission’s role in developing wind and hydro projects on the national forest estate, log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/windhydro.
Estimates suggest that, across the country, the wind potential available on Forestry Commission Scotland land could meet the needs of over a million homes and have the potential to generate £30 million a year by 2020.
3. More detail on the first sites to be explored can be found on: www.pfr.co.uk/forestrycommissionscotland. The community phoneline run by PfR is 0800 019 3517.
4. Partnerships for Renewables was set up by the Carbon Trust in 2006 to work in partnership with the public sector to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects. By providing a one stop shop for the development of renewable energy projects focused on a project development process tailored to the specific needs of the public sector, Partnerships for Renewables provide a way for Public Sector Bodies to access the economic and environmental benefits associated with renewable energy and contribute towards the fight against climate change without diverting public sector resources away from frontline services.
As announced in March 2008, PfR is now 51 per cent owned by Carbon Trust and 49 per cent by HSBC Environmental Infrastructure Fund. Partnerships for Renewables is also working with Forestry Commission England towards a scheme for the public forest estate in England and also with HM Prison Service, British Waterways, the Environment Agency, and a number of other public sector bodies to promote and develop renewable energy development.
5. Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland 0131 314 6508 or 07771 730 509. For Partnerships for Renewables, contact Tom Brinicombe on 0207 832 4672 or 0781 416 9380.