Glenkerie

Application to extend the operational life of Glenkerie Wind Farm

Ventient Energy has submitted a planning application to extend the operational life of Glenkerie Wind Farm for a further ten years. Glenkerie Wind Farm is located approximately 5 km northwest of Tweedsmuir near the town of Biggar in the Scottish Borders, Scotland. The wind farm comprises 11 wind turbines each rated at 2 MW with an overall site capacity of 22 MW. The wind farm has been operational since February 2012. No changes are proposed to any physical elements of the wind farm, all of which would continue to operate as they have done since 2012.

What is the application?

The existing planning consent for the wind farm is due to expire in February 2037 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 Glenkerie Wind Farm presents a significant opportunity to continue to generate enough clean electricity to supply around 17,487 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 five technicians employed full time. In addition, contractors involved in operation and maintenance activities use local accomodation and retail facilities when visiting the wind farm.

What are the next steps?

The Scottish Borders 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:

Glenkerie Wind Farm Life Extension – FAQ (131KiB – Adobe PDF)

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

The wind farm is situated on a hill farm that’s predominantly used for sheep-grazing, rough pasture and heather moorland. Site elevation varies between 230m to 530m above sea level. The wind farm’s 11 turbines, each rated at 2MW, took 18 months to build and the site has an installed capacity of 22MW and generates enough energy to power 17,487 homes*.

Benefiting local communities

Glenkerie’s community fund benefits communities located within a 15 km radius of the wind farm, which includes the Upper Tweed Community Council area. Although priority is given to applications from communities within 10 km of the wind farm (which includes Tweedsmuir, Broughton, Drumelzier and Coulter) other communities within the 15k radius are eligible to apply including Stobo, Biggar, Symington, Roberton, Lamington, Wiston and Skirling.

Although the Fund is held and administered by Foundation Scotland, the allocation of grants is decided by a local panel composed of Upper Tweed Community Councillors and other individuals with local knowledge and interests.

Recent projects supported by the fund include the development of a technology suite for use by both Broughton Primary School and the wider community; the installation of energy saving measures at Biggar Museum, including photo voltaic panels on its roof and insulation for its external store rooms.

Biggar After School Care Club also benefited from support to increase staff numbers, pay for staff training, cover the costs of sessional workers and purchase equipment and materials.