ENOUGH green energy schemes are now either complete or under construction in Scotland to power 80 per cent of the country's homes, The Scotsman can reveal.
With a 20-turbine wind farm given the go-ahead yesterday by the Scottish Government, the total approved renewable energy capacity in Scotland now stands at 3.86 gigawatts– enough to power about two million homes.
It also means the Scottish Governm
ent is more than two- thirds of the way towards meeting its target of 31 per cent of renewable energy provided by renewable sources by 2011– which would require an estimated five gigawatts.
Yesterday the Scottish Government approved the 60 megawatt Carraig Gheal wind farm near Kilchrenan in Argyll and Bute.
This scheme alone will be able to power 32,000 homes – about a third of the houses in Argyll and Bute.
The Finance secretary, John Swinney, who gave approval for the scheme as it lies in energy minister Jim Mather's constituency, said it was another step towards making Scotland "the green energy capital of Europe".
He added: "We already have the comparative advantage of a vast array of potentially cheap, renewable energy sources in Scotland. In our drive to fulfil that potential, reduce emissions and achieve our ambitious climate change targets, we are investing in a range of technologies – in onshore and offshore wind, tidal, wave, biomass, and clean coal including carbon capture technology."
The wind farm was granted permission despite 351 objections. There were 89 representations in support.
Green Power Ltd, the company behind the £60 million project, first lodged a planning application for 24 turbines on the site in November 2004. This was then revised down to 20 turbines after there were concerns about the visual impact and safety of birds.
The plans were supported by Argyll and Bute Council and Scottish Natural Heritage, as long as conditions were met.
Robert McIntyre, deputy leader and environment spokesman on Argyll and Bute Council said green energy schemes are particularly attractive in the current climate of high energy prices.
"In the right situation wind farms are the way forward, especially with energy being at a premium.
"In this case I fully support the Scottish Government decision to uphold the decision of the council.
"You will always get objections to developments such as this but in this case I think both the council and the Scottish Government have come to the right decision."
Before starting work the developer will have to agree a programme to protect local bird populations.
Green Power's chief executive, Robert Forrest, said construction would begin next year and take two years to complete.
The Scottish Government has set a target to produce 31 per cent of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2011, and 50 per cent by 2020. If successful, the number of further schemes currently awaiting approval would realise the 2011 target.
