Minsca

Application to extend the operational life of Minsca Wind Farm

Ventient Energy has submitted a planning application to extend the operational life of Minsca Wind Farm for a further ten years. Minsca Wind Farm comprises 16 wind turbines each rated at 2.3 MW with an overall site capacity of 36.8 MW. No changes are proposed to any physical elements of the wind farm, all of which would continue to operate as they have done since 2008.

What is the application?

The existing planning consent for the wind farm is due to expire in June 2033 however technical assessment across many of Ventient’s sites has demonstrated wind farms can continue to operate safely and efficiently beyond their originally anticipated lifespan. Therefore, Ventient Energy wishes to secure planning consent to operate the wind farm for a longer period of time.

Extending the operational life of Minsca Wind Farm presents a significant opportunity to continue to generate enough clean electricity to supply around 29,251 homes* every year, contribute to the energy transition for a cleaner and healthier future for everyone, and support the wellbeing of local communities through the wind farm’s Community Benefit Fund.

The operation of the wind farm involves the work of a large number of technicians and contributes to the local economies within which the wind farm operates by using local firms where possible and through use of local accommodation and services.

What are the next steps?

Dumfries and Galloway Council will now undertake a consultation exercise in respect of the application before making a decision regarding the outcome of the application.

This webpage will be kept up to date with any new information about the application.

How can I find out more information?

The FAQ document issued to local community councils and ward councillors prior to the submission of the planning application can be downloaded here:

Minsca Wind Farm Life Extension – FAQ (135KiB – Adobe PDF)

Any questions relating to the life extension application should be directed to WindFarms@ventientenergy.com

The wind farm is very close to the site where the bombed PanAm airliner crashed in 1988. It was acquired from Scottish and Southern Energy plc in April 2011 and has been generating electricity since June 2008. The wind farm has a 15 year power purchase agreement with a utility offtaker.

Minsca’s 16 turbines are rated at 2.3MW, the site has a 36.8MW installed capacity and can generate enough energy to power 29,251 homes*.

Benefiting local communities

Minsca’s community fund is administered by Dumfries & Galloway Council for the benefit of more than 20 communities in the local area. Each community is given an agreed amount and provides documentation to the Council to support how the money is to be allocated.

Recently supported projects include providing funding over two years to replace the floor in a community hall, support for a Christmas Lunch for elderly people and a grant to assist a local primary school for a visit to London.