Work starts at Gordonbush wind farm
Turbines have started to be erected at SSE’s Gordonbush wind farm.
The 35 turbine site, with MM82 turbines manufactured by REpower, will generate 70MW of renewable electricity. The wind farm is on course for completion by Spring 2012 with a construction cost of over £100m.
Significant work has been undertaken with local residents and community groups to ensure they were prepared for the abnormal load vehicles which deliver the turbine components to Gordonbush from Invergordon.
SSE’s Major Projects Liaison Manager, Ruth Liddicoat, said: “I’d like to extend our warm thanks to the community for the positive way they’ve engaged with us.
"Prior to the deliveries starting, we listened to the concerns from local residents about the construction traffic and worked closely with the community councils. With the deliveries now under way, we’re pleased with the progress we’re making and we’ll continue to liaise with the community throughout the construction phase .”
Iain Miller of Golspie Community Council added: “The community is pleased that the first two weeks of turbine deliveries have gone smoothly, and that the impact on the local community has been minimal. SSE continues to work closely with us, and this bodes well for ensuring that the programme of deliveries continues smoothly.”
Murdo McGhie, Project Director for SSE said: “We are really pleased with the progress we’ve made in constructing Gordonbush and the positive relationships we’ve managed to build with the local communities.
"The establishment of the community panel to assess projects for the community fund and completing some groundbreaking work on the habitat management plan are also key milestones.”
Rick Eggleston, REpower UK Managing Director, added: “This is the third SSE wind farm in the north of Scotland that REpower has supplied, with the other two now fully operational.
"I think the good working relationships and experience that REpower and SSE have built up together are showing in the smooth start to construction at Gordonbush.
"We’re looking forward to seeing all 35 of our MM82 wind turbines turning and generating electricity.”
