OREANDA-NEWS. SSE last week hosted a visit to its Hadyard Hill wind farm from Corri Wilson MP, the newly-elected Member of Parliament for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.

Discussions included the operation of the existing wind farm, the benefits to the community and plans under way for an extension.

Hadyard Hill is located in South Ayrshire, approximately 7km to the east of Girvan town and 3km to the north of the village of Barr. It has capacity to generate enough renewable electricity to power around 82,550 homes. 

At the time of construction Hadyard Hill was the UK’s biggest onshore wind farm and the first to generate at over 100MW. The community benefit package for the existing site provides ?135,000 per year to community and charitable projects in South Ayrshire.

SSE also has plans in development for a 31-turbine extension to Hadyard Hill which would increase the capacity of the site by over 100MW.  If this proceeds as currently proposed, it would deliver a welcome boost to the existing community benefit fund of a further ?500,000 every year.

 Pauline Allison, SSE’s Major Projects Liaison Manager, thanked Corri for taking the time to visit the wind farm.

She said:  “It was very welcome that Corri took the time out of her busy schedule to visit Hadyard Hill to find out more about the existing site and SSE’s plans for the future.  If our proposal to extend the existing site goes ahead, not only will renewable energy output significantly increase, but the boost to the existing community benefit fund will leave a lasting legacy for the local area.  We look forward to continuing to engage with Corri and all other local stakeholders as our plans develop.”

Corri added: "I was delighted to be able to see the Hadyard Hill site for myself. Recent figures have shown the growing strength of Scotland’s renewables industry and the incredible strides Scotland is making in producing clean, sustainable energy, and this site is part of that. Green energy plays a vital role in meeting our energy needs.

"I am mindful of the diverse needs of our rural communities, and expanding the site here at Hadyard Hill must add to the local area, not detract from it. It is important that the people living in this area have their voices heard, and any concerns addressed. Having met with the team here at SSE, I am confident they will work hard to take concerns on board and make adjustments to their plans as necessary."

 

Pictured L to R: Callum Hume, Operation Manager, SSE; Corri Wilson MP and Calum Zielinski, SSE.