21 June, 2023: EDF Renewables UK has officially announced its intention to establish a sizable onshore wind farm generating up to 400MW in the Scottish Borders, strategically located in Wauchope Forest and Newcastleton Forest. In an effort to ensure mutual benefits for the local communities, EDF actively seeks community participation and engagement.
EDF Renewables has announced its intention to submit a scoping report to the Scottish Borders Council in the near future. The company has expressed that the project has the potential to incorporate approximately 80 wind turbines, alongside a battery energy storage system (BESS) and on-site solar installations.
While the project is still in its early development phase, the skilled project team is initiating early communication with residents, community councils, local organisations and elected officials to discuss the potential economic benefits and active contribution to Scotland's renewable energy goals that this sustainable development project could bring.
Andrew Bennett, Development Project Manager at EDF Renewables UK, said in an official press release, “Through close and positive engagement with the community and stakeholders, we hope to develop a proposal that delivers local economic benefits and community ownership options as well as supporting the Scottish Government’s ambition to generate 20GW of green energy from onshore wind and 50 per cent of Scotland’s total energy demand from renewables by 2030.”
This announcement underscores the company's commitment to sustainable development and highlights the potential for clean, reliable energy sources to power the nation. With its vast wind resources and a strong emphasis on renewable initiatives, Scotland stands to benefit greatly from this project, reaping both environmental and economic rewards.