Banks Renewables lodges plans for 105-MW expanded Lethans wind farm

Banks Renewables, part of UK family-owned property and energy firm Banks Group, is seeking approval for an upgraded version of its Lethans wind project in Scotland's East Ayrshire, now with a capacity of 105.6 MW.

The project was initially granted planning approval by the Scottish government in March 2018 following a positive recommendation from East Ayrshire Council. The original proposal was for an up to 88-MW wind park.

In a press release on Tuesday, Banks Renewables said it has kept the proposed turbine number at 22 but boosted the overall power generation efficiency of the plant. The height and rotor diametre of the turbines were increased, while the site’s lifespan was extended from 25 to 30 years.

If approved, the 105.6-MW wind farm in near New Cumnock will be capable of producing enough electricity for over 90,000 local homes. Its output will be fed into the National Grid network. Banks Renewables estimates that some GBP 132 million (USD 165.9m/EUR 148.1m) will be poured into the Scottish economy during the project’s lifecycle, of which GBP 39 million will be invested during the construction phase.

Local community members have the opportunity to buy up to a 5% interest in the project, the developer said.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.257/EUR 1.122)

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