Introduction
Ridge Clean Energy are developing a renewable energy park at Ladyfield Plantation, Scotland. This is a forestry site on the east side of Glen Aray, approximately 4.7km north of Inveraray at its closest point.
We will keep the public up to date on the progress of the proposal via this website, posting news on:
- The Project
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report
- Project Timeline
- Public Consultation
- Community Partnership
We have now submitted our Section 36 application to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit (ECU). The submission documents are available for viewing on this website via the ‘Documents’ tab and on the ECU website. Two physical copies are also available at Inveraray Church and Dalmally Pharmacy. Please note that the consultation window closes on 3rd March 2024.
You can also contact the project team or take our survey on ideas for how Ladyfield Renewable Energy Park can support the local community.
View Site Boundary
Project Outline
Ladyfield was first identified as a potential wind farm site several years ago, and environmental surveys have been ongoing at the site since early 2020.
As part of the iterative design process, the number of turbines has now decreased to 13 (reduced from an original 22 for EIA Scoping), with a total capacity of 58.5MW.
The current proposals include for turbines up to a tip height of 180 metres, which has been reduced from the previously proposed 200 metres.
In addition, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is planned, with a capacity of 41.4MW. The BESS will store excess power from the wind farm during times of high generation and low demand, and will also be able to operate independently, to support the National Grid.
Ancillary infrastructure will be required as part of the new wind farm, which will include a substation, turbine transformers, new and upgraded access tracks, two temporary construction compounds, crane hardstandings and a second permanent meteorological mast (in addition to the existing one).
The connection to the nearby SSEN Transmission Creag Dhubh substation will be subject to a separate consent application.
Environmental Surveys & S36 Application
Many specialist surveys have been undertaken at the site during the pre-submission development process, including but not limited to:
- Two years of bird surveys;
- Ecology surveys, including for vegetation, bats and protected species such as badger and otter;
- Ground conditions surveys, such as peat probing;
- Hydrology surveys;
- Visual impact surveys;
- Background noise surveys; and
- Traffic surveys
Our proposals and designs for the site have been guided by data gathered during these surveys and by advice provided by independent environmental experts.
We have now submitted our Section 36 application to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit (ECU).
Wind Generation
58.5MW
Battery Storage
41.4MW
Homes Powered
Equivalent amount of power as is used by ~45,000 homes each year
Project Timeline
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Environmental Surveys - Q1 2020 to Q2 2022 The project team have been undertaking environmental surveys for the past 15 months, and these will continue until spring 2022. On Completion of the surveys, all information will be collated to inform the design of the wind farm. |
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Scoping - Q3 2021 To inform the ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment, Ridge Clean Energy submitted a Scoping Request to the Scottish Government in June 2021. The Scottish Government invited organisations such as NatureScot, Argyll and Bute Council and local community councils to feed into its Scoping Opinion, which was received in March 2022. The Scoping Request and Scoping Opinion are available to be viewed on the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit page, under reference: ECU00003291. |
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Public Consultation - Q3 2021 to Q4 2022 In August 2021 we held our first public exhibition online due to COVID-19 restrictions. We have also held in-person public exhibitions in early February 2022 and October 2022. The aim of these events is to keep the local community updated on the project, answering any questions and recording any feedback on the proposed renewable energy park. Following submission of the planning application to the Scottish Government, the public will be able to provide formal representations to the Scottish Government directly. |
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Design Evolution and Environmental Assessment - Q4 2021 to Q4 2022 Since the Scoping Request, we have gathered more survey data and had initial feedback from the public on our proposals; consequently, we have undertaken an initial review of the wind farm layout prepared for Scoping and refined the design. The design process is iterative, and we are seeking to develop a design which optimises the balance between the site performance and environmental effects. This process will continue to identify measures to eliminate, avoid, reduce or mitigate any potentially significant effects where possible. The layout will continue to evolve based on constraints, responses from statutory consultees and feedback from this public consultation. Updates to the layout will evolve throughout 2023 and details will be made available on this website. |
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Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report Following completion of survey work, work is underway to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. This is a series of assessments of the potential environmental effects of a project, undertaken by specialist environmental and technical consultants. This will cover the following areas:
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Submission of a Section 36 Application to Scottish Government - Q1 2024 Our Section 36 application to build and operate the development has now been submitted to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit. |
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