This site was selected based on wind speed and grid connection, which allows us to develop a project that would generate considerable social and economic benefits for the local community whilst contributing the UK’s clean power 2030 strategy and Scottish government’s climate and energy targets.

This site also gives us the opportunity to make use of previously developed land in the form of the surface mine and takes into account planning and environmental constraints.

When we initially started consulting on this project the working title for our proposed wind farm was Cumnock and Doon Valley. However, after extensive community consultation we wanted to choose a name that was reflective of the history and heritage of the site as a former open-cast mine.

As a result we reached out to the three hosting Community Council primary schools to take part in an exciting site naming competition.We received a lot of positive engagement, and some great names which were shortlisted and put to a public vote on our social media channels.

Glen Water Wind Farm was the chosen name and if approved will become the official name of the site for years to come!

The project could take up to 6* years from community consultation to operation, we will keep the community informed throughout the entire process.

*Timescales are dependent on grid connection offer

Modern wind turbines are designed to be as quiet as possible. As part of the planning process, we undertake noise assessments that monitor noise levels to ensure minimal disturbance. We will operate within noise levels agreed with the local council.

The project design will be developed to include measures that avoids or minimises any risks to wildlife. This project includes measures to protect bird migration routes and local habitats.

Our OnPath Together commitment to the environment ensures that we follow a nature-positive approach on all of our projects, enhancing biodiversity through habitat creation, whilst simultaneously tackling climate change. You can learn more here.

A detailed Aviation Impact Assessment will be undertaken once we have finalised the site layout, and we will work with aviation stakeholders to agree on a mitigation strategy if required. As the turbines are over 150m they will need to be lit, but we are working on identifying solutions to minimise the visibility of lights on the ground e.g. shielding / dimmer lights.

Yes, our first community consultations in April are where we want to encourage local people to come along, meet the team and tell us what is important to them. This feedback and input will be taken into consideration during the final design process to ensure it’s a wind farm that has had community involvement.

Onshore wind is one of the cheapest ways of generating electricity available to us today, and provides some protection from sudden increases in prices because they sell their energy at a fixed, long-term price determined by either UK government or energy companies. If more of this cheap form of renewable energy is installed in the UK, it follows that the overall cost of energy (and our bills) should reduce to reflect this.

We are always keen to hear from the local community to find out how community benefits could be shaped and delivered in a way that improves energy efficiency a benefits local people directly.

We are targeting a local economic benefit of £1million/MW for all onshore wind projects. We care about delivering real economic value in the communities in which we develop our projects, and we work with many local businesses through all phases from construction and operation.

Our OnPath Together approach to development commits us to supporting high-quality green jobs, makes local benefits & employment a material consideration for contracting and gives priority to local businesses so local economies can thrive.

Construction could support temporary jobs, and there may be long-term roles in maintenance and operations. We are also considering training programmes for local workers.

Studies show little evidence that wind farms significantly impact property values. However, each location is different, and we are committed to working with the community to address concerns.

The project could take up to 6* years from community consultation to operation, we will keep the community informed throughout the entire process.

*Timescales are dependent on grid connection offer

Yes, we are engaged in ongoing pre application discussions with them and the 9CC Group who represent nine communities across the Cumnock and Doon Valley area. 

We will work hard to minimise disruption and keep residents updated. There may be temporary road access measures put in place during construction, but we will ensure that abnormal loads will not travel through New Cumnock.

Through our early consultation with the 9CC Group and knowledge of the area, we understand that there has been a lot of local development in recent years. When devising the access route to site we have taken this feedback on board and designed an access route that we believe minimises disruption.

We have contracted with Scottish Power on the basis of the most economically viable solution for both the project and the end user. The overhead lines are expected to be steel towers which are designed for longevity and design efficiency. 

OnPath Energy will enter an agreement with the local authority to ensure that the site, when decommissioned will be returned as close as practical to the current ground conditions at the end of its working life cycle. This fund will cover the removal of the turbines, foundations and infrastructure.

Scotland has an excellent wind profile and onshore wind represents one of the best natural resources we have. It brings jobs, investment and growth to the country and local areas as well as being the most affordable way of generating renewable energy which helps bring energy costs down. Our approach at OnPath Energy is to develop these projects with care for people, the environment and to invest with local firms to support local jobs.

Developments of this nature can also bring with them huge community benefits that can be shaped and delivered by the people within those communities to make the most difference to people living and working there. 

We want the community to be involved from the early stages to support the design process and deliver a wind farm that means more to the community  

We at OnPath Energy see this as an opportunity to deliver a wind farm that can deliver something different for the local community by highlighting the strong historical heritage of the area and showcasing its transition from a mining community to a low carbon energy powerhouse. We also want to encourage people to access and enjoy this part of the landscape.