Statkraft secures consent for Knockcronal Wind Farm

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, has secured planning consent for Knockcronal Wind Farm, located in South Ayrshire. The consented design has a generating capacity of up to 59.4MW and comprises a total of nine turbines. Once operational, the wind farm will generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 49,000 homes, supporting the UK’s journey towards greater energy security, and help stabilise bills for consumers and businesses.

The project was submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit in November 2021. In addition to delivering clean electricity, the project will bring significant local benefits, including direct investments in the area and a community benefit fund of £5,000 per MW installed, which would deliver up to £297,000 per annum.

Planning consent is an important milestone in the project development and enables Statkraft to proceed to the next stage of the process. The focus will now be on securing a route to market and discharging planning conditions ahead of construction.

Tom Walker, Statkraft Head of Onshore Wind said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has approved our plans for Knockcronal Wind Farm. The consented proposal strikes a good balance between maximising the renewables electricity output of the site whilst taking into consideration the environmental impacts. I’d encourage local suppliers to get involved and register their interest now via the project website.”