Fred Olsen Renewables has recently filed an application seeking consent from Scottish Ministers to establish and manage the Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park near Longformacus, situated approximately 5km west of Duns.
The Scottish Borders Council, acting as the relevant planning authority, is currently undergoing consultations regarding the application.
The proposed project entails the construction and operation of up to six wind turbines, featuring a blade tip height reaching up to 200 meters. Additionally, the plan includes the incorporation of a battery energy storage system, photovoltaic solar panels, and associated ancillary infrastructure.
Fred Olsen Renewables has committed to contributing over £7 million towards community benefit funding as part of the proposed development.
The project’s blueprint has evolved following extensive public consultations initiated in 2022. Feedback from stakeholders prompted adjustments, resulting in a reduction in the number of turbines and the inclusion of a designated area for solar energy production.
Emily Galloway, senior project manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, expressed pride in presenting proposals for the company’s inaugural hybrid scheme in Scotland. Galloway emphasized the project’s role in showcasing the potential of combining renewable energy technologies, optimizing grid connections, and ensuring operational efficiency across the site.
Galloway extended gratitude to all stakeholders for their valuable input during the consultation phase, highlighting that the comments received played a pivotal role in shaping the final design. Fred Olsen Renewables remains committed to collaborating closely with stakeholders throughout the determination process.
A comprehensive report accompanying the application outlines the potential local benefits associated with the construction phase, including the utilization of local accommodations, equipment hire, employment opportunities for the local workforce, and potential subcontracting of local services.
Furthermore, the report outlines plans for the eventual decommissioning of the turbines, solar arrays, battery energy storage system, and transformers at the end of the proposed development’s useful life or upon the expiry of consent.