Dorenell wind farm officially open
The site in Moray has fifty nine (59) three (3) MW turbines and was fully commissioned at the end of March this year. The wind farm produces enough electricity for 106,000 homes.* It is the biggest onshore wind site in Europe for EDF Renewables which operates across twenty two countries worldwide.
Matthieu Hue, EDF Renewables CEO said, “It has been a great day here at Dorenell wind farm and we are proud to have reached this milestone which is another positive step towards the UK’s ambitions to reach net zero carbon emissions.
“We take a long term approach to the wind farms we develop and recognise the importance of supporting those communities in which we operate. It is great local people were able to join us to mark the opening of this project – and that local initiatives in the area will now be able to share in the success of the wind farm and benefit from the community fund in the future.”
Dorenell wind farm has a community benefit package worth around £12 million over the lifetime of the wind farm and Foundation Scotland have been appointed to administer this on behalf of EDF Renewables UK. It is expected the first awards will soon be made to local groups.
Scotland’s newest Ranger Service is now in place at the wind farm site with two new members of the team, Mark Johnston and Stephen Reeves, who are working to improve and maintain the environment around the wind farm for wildlife and visitors and also ensure access to the upgraded trails. The Dorenell Rangers will hold guided walks, and events and people can also find out more about the Cabrach, its natural environment and history at the brand new visitor centre at Nether Ardwell.
Congratulating the new team on their appointments, George Potts, Chair of the Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association said "The creation of these new Ranger posts with the backing of a major electricity company is clear recognition of the important role Rangers can play in providing a welcome, making connections with the local community and with visitors to the site. These connections will have a key role in helping to maintain and enhance the natural heritage value of the Dorenell site."
About EDF Renewables in the UK and Ireland
EDF Renewables is part of one of the world’s largest electricity companies and our investment and innovation in the UK and Ireland is bringing down costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 36 wind farms and battery storage unit (almost 1GW) we are providing some of the much needed new affordable, low carbon electricity to the UK.
Work is well underway on the 450 MW Neart Na Gaoithe offshore wind farm project which is in the Firth of Forth and we’ve extended our Edinburgh office to accommodate around 60 new team members. We have recently acquired Pivot Power, a start-up which specialises in battery storage and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging which will help us meet our ambitions in storage and electric mobility.
We have more than 2 GW of renewables projects in construction, planning and development and half of those are consented. We also have offices in Dublin, Rainton Bridge near Durham and in London.
EDF Renewables is a joint venture between EDF Renouvelables and EDF Energy.
Find our more at EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.
For more information
Lindsey Southworth
External Communications Manager - Renewables
(M) 07813 230379
lindsey.southworth@edf-re.com
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