Clyde South Energy Park

Clyde South Energy Park Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Glasgow-based renewable energy developer Renewco Power Limited, is advancing plans for a new renewable energy project at a site located southeast of Elvanfoot. The project is called Clyde South Energy Park and will include up to 9 wind turbines, up to 180m in height to tip, a battery energy storage system (BESS) and potential for ground mounted solar panels. The project will target commencing operation as the adjacent Clyde Wind Farm is decommissioned at the end of its operational life (currently assumed to be from approximately 2036 onwards).

A request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion from Scottish Minsters has been submitted. This seeks a view from Scottish Ministers, with input from relevant authorities, on which environmental issues should be addressed in the EIA which will guide the ongoing development of the project.  The findings of the EIA will be reported in an EIA Report which will form part of the Section 36 application for development consent. The EIA process ensures key environmental factors which must be considered during the planning process are identified and creates opportunities to avoid or mitigate potentially significant environmental effects through the design of the project where possible. The EIA Scoping Request can be downloaded below or accessed on the Energy Consents Unit website

Renewco Power is committed to effective consultation with the local community and will be hosting a number of consultation events seeking feedback on the emerging project details in the coming months. 

Some key next steps to prepare for a Section 36 consent application submission are:

·       Address comments submitted as part of the public consultation process;

·       Carry out further environmental surveys, including more detailed peat surveys;

·       Further develop the turbine layout in response to consultee feedback and environmental sensitivities including:

o      key views from surrounding settlements, landmark hills and transport corridors;

o      the settings of designated cultural heritage assets in the surrounding area;

o      the findings of detailed noise modelling;

o      water supply sources;

o      sensitive ecological habitats;

o      watercourses and associated fisheries, riverine mammals and invertebrates; and  both breeding and non-breeding birds, including consideration of disturbance and collision risk.

·       Finalisation of development proposed including design of track infrastructure layout, selection of borrow pit search areas, confirmation of solar, substation and BESS locations, confirmation of access routes and identification of suitable construction compound locations;

·       Detailed assessment of the impact of the final layout of the development on environmental receptors which will be reported in an EIA Report