A 33 turbine, 118 Megawatt (MW) wind farm at Muaitheabhal in the Western Isles, providing green electricity for 55,000 homes, nearly four times the number of homes on the islands, has been given the go ahead by Energy Minister Jim Mather. The development will create around 150 construction jobs with further permanent jobs when operational. The applicant has committed to use locally sourced material, labour, transport and plant hire wherever possible to ensure maximum economic benefit to the Isles. The developer has entered into a formal agreement with the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar committing one per cent of turnover of the wind farm to the Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust, to enhance the ecological and cultural heritage resource of the Eisgein estate. Additionally, a further 0.5 per cent slice of turnover will be paid to the Western Isles Development Trust. To improve the visual impact of the scheme, today's consent removes six turbines from the application for a 39 turbine, 140 MW wind farm. The Minister has also imposed conditions to protect the natural environment and cultural heritage. The Scottish Government's target is to meet 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020. In 2008, 22 per cent of electricity demand came from renewables.
The Scottish Government has already determined 36 energy applications, including approval for 31 renewable and one non-renewable project since May 2007 - more determinations than over the whole of the previous four years, in which 19 projects were determined.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/01/14095411
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