Located on land belonging to multiple local farmers neighbouring the operational Torrance Wind Farm and Torrance Wind Farm Extension, this new proposal is for the erection of up to four additional wind turbines and associated infrastructure. The site is situated directly north of the village of Harthill and the eastbound BP Harthill services station on the M8 motorway in North Lanarkshire and approximately 2km south of Blackridge, West Lothian. At this stage turbine tip heights of up to 200 metres (656 feet) are being considered.
Should Torrance Wind Farm Ext 2 be permitted, it would contribute up to 26.4 Megawatts of local green electricity towards Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets (more information here: https://www.gov.scot/policies/climate-change/).
Why tip heights of 200 metres (656 feet)?
Originally, ten turbines of 140m to tip were being considered, however there are a number of reasons why fewer turbines at a higher tip height are now being proposed. Firstly, the taller the wind turbine, the more wind it is able to capture. As a result far more green electricity is generated, maximising the site’s capacity. In addition, wind turbine manufacturers are continuously improving turbine technology and addressing the specific needs of other countries globally. Elsewhere in the world, it has become commonplace for 200 m (656 feet) and higher turbines to be erected. In response turbine manufactures are following this global market trend and removing the smaller turbine models (<150 m) from their production line. By choosing a 200 m turbine model we are ensuring the scheme , if permitted, can be developed without delay.
Project Timeline
The first step in the wind farm’s application is the scoping process. The Torrance Wind Farm Ext II scoping report was submitted to North Lanarkshire Council in November 2020. In December 2020, the council provided a scoping opinion which included responses from key consultees (local and national) which will help define the required environmental studies needed to then complete the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report). This EIA report, plus a planning application, is expected to be submitted in summer 2022. Should Torrance Wind Farm Extension II be granted permission, it is currently anticipated that site construction or erection of turbines would commence no earlier than 2024.