Proposals submitted for East Ayrshire Wind Farm offers £40.3 million boost the local area

COMMUNITIES across East Ayrshire are being invited to back plans for a transformative new wind farm that could boost the local community and economy by over £40 million over the lifetime of the project.  

Leading Scottish based renewable energy developer, OnPath Energy revealed updated plans for the 43MW Glen Water Wind Farm to the public in January and now people across East Ayrshire are invited to send East Ayrshire Council letters in support of the development.  

The proposal includes a £10.3 million community benefits package, meeting Scottish Government’s new recommendation of £6,000 per MW for onshore wind in Scotland.  The plans also include community ownership offer of 1% gifted and a local decarbonisation pilot for households within a 2km radius of the site.  

Additionally, the project represents a projected £30 million lifetime spend in the East Ayrshire economy which includes a targeted local spend of £1million per MW prioritising local businesses in the supply chain. It is expected to create around 183 full time equivalent jobs years regionally.  

OnPath Energy has responded to extensive community feedback which highlighted a desire for reduced electricity bills, jobs and skills for local people and  the creation of a destination that celebrates the history and heritage of the former opencast coal mine.  

Following local feedback, the Scottish based developer has committed to reducing the number of turbines on the site east of Netherthird  from eight to six, as well as reducing the height of the turbines from a 250m tip height to up to a 200m tip height. 

The pilot home decarbonisation project is initially for homes within a 2km radius of the site, if successful it’s proposed that the project will widen across the surrounding nine community council areas as part of East Ayrshire Council’s CoRE project with the potential to make energy more affordable for local households. If successful, the funding would be managed by the 9 Community Council Group (The 9CC Group), a group of nine community councils in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area who manage and administer wind farm funds in the area on behalf of nearby energy projects. 

The Glen Water masterplan integrates environmental enhancements and a lasting, sustainable destination, encompassing 15km of paths contributing to the goals of East Ayrshire Council’s Core Path Plan.   A 12km nature and heritage trail will tell the story of the site’s farming and mining history, plus a further 3km woodland corridor making active travel more accessible for local people whilst enhancing the experience of the natural environment.  

Crucial work to protect peat bogs, regenerate and protect 52 hectares of habitat and enhancing native tree species, are included in the proposals. 

OnPath Energy has a long and rich history of successful renewable energy developments. Other projects include the nearby Lethans, Lethans Extension, Kype Muir and Mill Rig Wind Farm projects. If approved, Glen Water Wind Farm would generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of around 36,000 homes annually. 

Ewan Robertson, project manager at OnPath Energy, said: “We prioritise creating best in class projects in collaboration with local people. By listening to local views, we have created a project that understands local needs, giving us valuable insight which has guided every stage of the process” 

We have taken on board the concerns shared by local people and adapted our plans accordingly. Feedback on the new proposals has been very positive, and I’m confident our application will succeed with the public’s backing.” 

Ewan Robertson, project manager at OnPath Energy

The Glen Water proposal has already seen strong local engagement. OnPath Energy invited pupils from Netherthird, Logan and New Cumnock Primary Schools to help to re-name the project with Glen Water Wind Farm chosen for its strong connection to local geography and heritage. 

Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy, said: 

“Over the last two years we’ve listened and learned what is important to local people. People want to see tangible benefits in their homes and their pockets. We believe that through collaboration with communities, the 9CC Group and East Ayrshire Council we can support the delivery of long-lasting community wealth, more affordable energy, as well as jobs and skills for local people.” 

“This is what makes Glen Water more than a wind farm.” 

If consented the new wind farm is expected to be operational in the summer of 2031 (subject to grid connection date). 

OnPath Energy has created a simple online form where people can register their support for the project, more information can be found at: www.onpathenergy.com/Glen-Water