NEW 2.7MW wind farm site has been obtained by Thrive Renewables near Girvan, South Ayrshire in Scotland.
The project, to be named Chapelton wind farm, has planning and land rights for three turbines and initial ground works have begun.
Matthew Clayton, Managing Director at Thrive Renewables, said: “Earlier this year, when we sold two wind farms, we made a commitment that we would invest in new renewables projects which can operate successfully without the need for government support.
“Chapelton is the first of these projects to be announced, putting us at the forefront of developing the new generation of subsidy-free onshore renewables.”
The company plans for electricity generated at the Chapelton site to be supplied both directly to a local business and the electricity grid.
Thrive Renewables has a track record in renewable energy project development, including ‘private wire’ projects, designed to enable local businesses to use power directly from a wind farm.
This provides long-term, stable energy prices for the business and price certainty for the wind farm operator, protecting both parties from the volatility of the energy market.
When Chapelton wind farm is built, the local community will be able to apply for Thrive Renewables Community Benefit Programme, which offers grants to improve energy efficiency in community buildings like village halls, making them warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to run.
Mr Clayton continued: “We believe the ‘private wire’ model, where electricity generated from small and medium sized wind farms like Chapelton is supplied directly to local businesses, is one of the ways that we can ensure investment in renewable infrastructure continues now government support has been removed.
“We look forward to proving this new business model when the site is built and contributing to the UK’s net zero carbon emissions targets.”
