Mast will gather wind data for Eastriggs windfarm

PLANS have been lodged to construct a 90 metre high mast near Eastriggs to collect wind data ahead of a submission to build an energy park on the site.

SLR Consulting have submitted an application, on behalf of Eurowind Energy Limited, to Dumfries and Galloway Council.

They want to erect the meteorological mast for a temporary three year period in order to gather wind data before moving forward with plans for an energy park at West Scales Farm, approximately 1.5km north of Eastriggs.

Included in the cover letter from the agent was information on the purpose of development.

It says: “There is currently no on-site data source to allow the developer to correlate and confirm the long term wind information that they hold.

“Therefore, the purpose of the proposed temporary meteorological mast is to allow the developer of the proposed West Scales Energy Park to gather a more detailed picture of the wind speeds at the site and also the prominent prevailing wind direction.

“This will help make the wind yield calculations for the proposed West Scales Energy Park more accurate and ultimately (should consent for West Scales Energy Park be granted) aid in the procurement of wind turbines most appropriate to the wind conditions at the site.”

On environmental considerations, the letter continued: “Due to the nature of the proposed meteorological mast (i.e. temporary, no significant intrusive on-site civil works required such as permanent foundation construction or concrete pours, and no moving parts), it is considered to have minimal impact on the environment/biodiversity.

“The West Scales Energy Park Site, including the area for the proposed temporary meteorological mast, has been extensively surveyed by a number of environmental specialists, including ecologists and ornithologists, and has also undergone extensive peat

depth probing.”

West Scales Wind Farm Ltd (WSW) want to create a site with four wind turbines, each with a blade tip height of 230 metres; as well as solar panels, covering an area up to 44 hectares; and a potential Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility.

If approved, construction would likely begin in 2028. And the energy park would have a lifespan of up to 40 years.