Craigengelt Wind Farm The site is located 10 km to the south west of Stirling and, approximately 3.5km east of the operational 'Earlsburn Site'. The site comprises 8 x Nordex 2.5MW wind turbines with a combined output of 20MW. This is enough to electricity to power 11,500 homes and preventing the release of 47,500 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
Why Craigengelt?
GDF SUEZ Energy UK is aware of the sensitivities surrounding wind farm development and the Craigengelt site was selected for the following reasons: - It is the least visible site in Stirling and Clackmananshire and shielded by high ground on three sides.
- The site is outside the Campsie, Ochill and Trossach ranges.
- The site is within an area deemed by Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council as suitable for wind farm development.
- The site has very high wind speeds, meaning a lot of electricity can be generated.
- It is an area currently used for rough grazing only.
- The area is sparsely populated.
- Easy road access can be achieved south from Stirling.
- Grid capacity is available in Stirling via underground cable and is not dependant on the Beauly to Denny Transmission Line.
CommunityGDF SUEZ Energy UK recognises that sensible wind farm development can bring substantial benefits to the local community and as such a benefit fund had been agreed and is in place with the local community. We believe this will make a meaningful and appropriate contribution to the local area.
Environment
During the development of the wind farm, environmental and ecological issues were studied in detail as part of the independent Environmental Impact Assessment. Key areas studies included:
Surface & Ground Water
The mapping and analysis of all surface and ground water courses was a key component of the environmental assessment. The purpose is to assess any likely impacts on water quantity and quality within both the development area and surrounding countryside. Study methodologies were agreed with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the results fed into the overall windfarm design process. Prior to construction, and currently through the construction period, a series of comprehensive, tried and tested methods have been used to monitor and prevent surface and ground water pollution.
Noise
Modern wind turbines are a very quiet form of generation and the noise emitted is so little that it is possible to hold a conversation under a turbine without raising your voice. Noise levels at nearby residences were measured and analysed to ensure that a wind farm will not be a noise nuisance to its neighbours.
Ecology
Scottish Natural Heritage and local wildlife groups were consulted, and assessments carried out to establish the effect of the development on local flora and fauna. Baseline information gathered from site surveys were fed into the overall design process to ensure access roads and turbines don't impact on sensitive ecology, flaura and fauna.
Ornothology
The RSPB has been fully consulted through the development of the project and extensive bird surveys were carried out over several seasons, by day and night, to establish the level of local bird life. Following this, detailed plans for habitat management have been developed to benefit and enhance the area surrounding the wind farm.
Archaeology
Both national and local archaeological groups were consulted to establish if proposed sites are likely to have significant impacts on heritage sites or archaeological remains.
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