At a glance
Type:
Wind Farm
Status:
Planning submitted
Partner:
ESB
The wind farm would be located on rough grazing land east of Alexandria and about 20 km to the north-west of Glasgow City Centre. The site lies within an ‘Area with Potential for Wind Energy Development’ (as mapped out by West Dunbartonshire Council) and benefits from good wind speeds, good access links and close proximity to the grid. It is also close to a large potential consumer base in the Clyde Valley.
What is currently being proposed?
We are proposing a wind farm comprising up to 10 of the latest generation, highly efficient wind turbines. Each of these would have a tower height of up to 134 m and tip height of up to 220m. The wind turbines would be connected by new tracks made of locally sourced crushed stone and the main access would come off the A813 (close to the Aggreko facility). 20MW of battery energy storage capacity would also be included as part of the onsite electricity substation.
Find out what's happening
In pictures
Viewpoint 5, A11 near Balloch
Viewpoint 14, West Highland Way near Drymen
Viewpoint 15, Ben Bowie
Viewpoint 10, M8 in Langbank
What we will deliver
The wind farm would generate around 168 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year. That’s enough to charge around 7,900 electric cars a day.
Based on a 70MW assumed capacity, forecast average load factor of 27.5% and an electric car battery capacity of 58kwh (as found in a Tesla Model 3 or VW ID3)
Detailed bird, ecology and vegetation surveys have been carried out for over 2 years in order to properly understand the site’s ecology and optimise the wind farm design to minimise impacts
Over 250 acres of new woodland will be created (to replace the 0.15 acres of trees felled as part of the project) by planting a mix of oak, birch and other native trees. Enhancement work would also be carried out on a further 37 acres of existing woodland.
Over 250 acres of priority peatland habitats will be restored by removing invasive species and blocking drains.
Over 2,000 meters of existing fencing will be replaced with hedgerows of hawthorn, hazel, holly and other species to create new habitats for birds, insects and small mammals.
The ecological value of 64 acres of grassland will be improved through more varied planting and a further 18 acres of scrubland habitat will also be created. Scattered trees will be introduced to blend these areas into the new woodland and create a more natural landscape.
How it helps
We're glad you asked…
This wind farm is essential for increasing the supply of clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and cutting carbon emissions. It will contribute to energy security, help meet national climate targets, and support the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
The location was selected for a number of reasons, including wind speed, proximity to grid connections, environmental impact assessments, and land availability. It offers optimal wind conditions while minimizing disruption to local communities and wildlife.
The wind farm is designed for a lifespan of 35 years.
We welcome feedback from the community. You can share your thoughts by attending public consultation events, submitting representations through the Energy Consents Unit, or contacting us via our contact form.
Construction is expected to begin within a couple of years of planning consent being granted but largely depends on how quickly Scottish Power can deliver the grid connection. Construction would be expected to take approximately 18-24 months (including site preparation, civil works, electrical works and turbine installation).
There may be temporary disruptions due to increased traffic and construction activities. However, a traffic management plan will be agreed with West Dunbartonshire Council and a community liaison group will also be set up to try and minimize inconvenience.
The turbines will be delivered to Clydebank Docks and then travel along the A82 and A813 until reaching the site access. We will coordinate with local authorities to ensure smooth delivery and minimize traffic disruption.
Environmental impact assessments have been conducted, and we will implement strict measures to protect wildlife and nature. This includes habitat preservation, restoration, monitoring, and mitigation strategies.
Modern wind turbines are designed to be quiet but comprehensive surveys are taken to measure the noise level around the area and ensure there is no significant change in background noise level.
Public access will remain largely unchanged but the substation area will be fenced off and access will also be restricted during construction for safety reasons.
Wind energy helps stabilize electricity prices by providing a reliable and cost-effective power source, reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuels in the long term.
The project will bring economic benefits, including job creation, community funding, and potential infrastructure improvements. We are committed to investing in the local area.
Yes, we will provide a community benefit fund and also offer local investment opportunities, and other financial participation options to ensure the community shares in the benefits of the project.
Wind turbines are designed to operate at varying wind speeds. When there is little or no wind, other energy sources will supplement the supply. The national energy system operator continuously balances power available from different sources with the prevailing levels of demand to ensure grid stability.
Safety is the top priority. Wind farms are built to strict engineering and safety standards, with regular inspections and maintenance to ensure safe operation.
The project will create local jobs during construction, operation, and maintenance. We will work with local suppliers and contractors wherever possible.
Absolutely! We encourage local businesses to get involved, whether in construction, transportation, catering, or maintenance services. Interested businesses can reach out [here] to be added to our local supplier database.
At the end of its operational life, the wind farm will either be repowered with newer turbines (subject to receiving planning permission) or decommissioned. If decommissioned, the site will be restored to its original state, following strict environmental guidelines.
Be part of the project
We are keen to ensure that wherever possible contractors are employed to help us deliver the services we need for this project. We will be undertaking supply chain outreach over coming months and years.