 |
Application now submitted
The Hill of Fare windfarm application has landed. Here is a link to the full project as it is presented on the RES website. This is the newsletter which RES has posted to you. Here is the application on the ECU website.
Key dates for responding to the application are yet to be finalised. Our MSP has requested an extension to the response date as the application has landed over the Christmas period. The council has yet to clarify its response dates. However, use 12th January 2024 as the date a response needs to be in to the ECU by for the time being.
We are developing a link to help you to get your views on this development to your councillors and the Scottish Government. This will give you the addresses, how to object and the material considerations which are recognised as valid.
We are holding three presentations at Banchory, Midmar and Torphins to bring you fully up to speed and guide you through the objecting processes.
Banchory Monday 11th December
Midmar Tuesday 12th December
Torphins Thursday 14th December
All at 19:30
RES Newsletter
We are concerned about the promises that are made by RES in the autumn newsletter. It is giving the impression that everyone will have access to affordable zero carbon energy. That is a fantasy, one we have when sitting quietly by the fire on a winter evening, when life is full of hope after a long day or when we have that electricity bill that we have to make personal adjustments to pay.
The windfarm on the hill of fare will not realise that dream because electricity price is determined by multiple factors, including gas price, and gas is expensive but necessary when the wind does not blow. Our dream of solving the cost of living crisis by onshore windfarms such as the Hill of fare is simply not true as solar, onshore and offshore wind are all similar prices but there are many other factors that determine price. It is low cost energy for the organisations that generate the electricity making huge profits at your expense when prices are high. Meanwhile, landowners receive a rent and also make a killing.
Onshore wind is filling the grid with more electricity than the grid can deliver to your door when it is very windy. This leads to increasing constraint payments being made to onshore wind farms as the amount of onshore wind power is increased. Offshore wind reduces this issue by being linked closer to UK markets and to Europe.
The picture of future community benefit and shared ownership that the RES newsletter paints sounds attractive. It is a promise by a company that has not developed a credible relationship with our community. This company is unlikely to remain in the area once the project is completed and it is delegating all that ‘jam tomorrow’ to other people who the community have not met. The UK electricity market will be changing so do you really want to risk your money? Who ensures this promise is fulfilled? The courts? the council? your MSP?
RES is doing its job and will be gone tomorrow. We will remain. Read the RES autumn newsletter with caution. Consider the issues it does not mention such as the visual impact of 200m turbines on a unique landscape at the entrance to Royal Deeside, the environmental impact, and the noise and water supply issues for the highly populated area near the development. Lastly, remember that Scotland is on track for meeting its net-zero targets and there are plenty of better located wind farm applications in progress – both on and offshore.
Make your own mind up about the truths the RES newsletter claims.
We look forward to seeing you at Banchory, Midmar or Torphins, w/b 11th December.
