Dave Thompson MSP

Renewable project to create more than 100 jobs

The SNP has welcomed the decision to approve planning permission for a new 67-turbine windfarm near Fort Augustus – which will provide power for the equivalent of up to 114,000 homes and generate as much as £30m in benefits for the local area and the Highlands as a whole.

As well as providing up to 242MW of electricity, the project could deliver around £15m in benefits to the local community over its lifespan – as well as a further £15m to the Highland-wide Sustainable Development Fund.

During the construction phase and throughout its lifespan the project will create more than 100 jobs for the local community – adding to the more than 11,000 people already employed in renewables in Scotland.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Dave Thompson said:

“This decision is fantastic news for the local area and the Highlands as a whole – and further confirmation of the potential for renewable energy not just to make our country greener - but also to create jobs and contribute to strengthening Scotland’s economy.

“That the local community – and the Highlands as a whole – are set to benefit by up to £30m is also particularly welcome.

“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of harnessing Scotland’s vast renewable energy potential and this decision is another step toward meeting the target to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

“Scotland has the potential to be the renewables powerhouse of Europe – and the sector already employs more than 11,000 people across the country and provides more than a third of the UK’s renewable electricity generation.

“A Yes vote in September will allow us to take action to prioritise further investment in our renewable energy sector – keeping energy bills down, creating jobs and delivering benefits for communities across Scotland."

Note:

More information can be found here: http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/-30m-to-benefit-the-Highlands-d4b.aspx