Frequently Asked Questions
Who is RES?RES is a British company with headquarters in Hertfordshire. It is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, working across 24 countries and active in wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission and distribution. As an industry innovator for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 27GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 41GW worldwide for a large client base.
From our Glasgow office RES has been developing, constructing and operating wind farms in Scotland since 1993. We have developed and/or built 22 wind farms in Scotland with a total generation capacity of 660MW and currently operate over 550MW of wind farms across the country.
Where will the wind farm be?
The nearest turbine of the proposed Blair Hill Wind Farm would be located approximately 4.5km north of the centre of Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway. You can see a site location plan here.
How many wind turbines will there be?
Since our first public exhibitions in October 2023 when we presented a preliminary design for the proposed Blair Hill Wind Farm, we have undertaken further extensive site survey work to build our understanding of the site. The findings from this, together with the comments received from the community and stakeholders, has resulted in an updated design. Our updated design is for 15 turbines with an overall generation capacity of 99MW which is enough to power around 123,0001 homes with clean, low cost electricity.
Why here?
The site was chosen because it has good wind resource, few ecological constraints, straightforward access and is close to a viable grid connection. It is also identified in the Dumfries and Galloway Council Local Development Plan as being an area with potential for wind farm development.
What stage is the project at?
A Scoping Opinion was received from Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) in November 2023 and this is available to view here and also on the ECU website (Ref: number: ECU00004878).
We have undertaken further extensive site survey work to build our understanding of the site. The findings from this, together with the comments received from the community and stakeholders, has resulted in an updated design.
We presented the updated design at second public exhibitions on 21st and 22nd May. For more information, please click here.
At this stage, we expect to submit a planning application in Autumn 2024.
What would the wind farm look like?
A Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVIA) is being undertaken for the proposed wind farm and will consider any likely significant landscape and visual effects.
For the public exhibitions in October 2023, landscape architects at LDA Design Consulting Ltd (LDA) produced a small number of visualisations based on the preliminary layout from some of the proposed viewpoint locations, produced in accordance with NatureScot’s Visualisation of Wind Farms Best Practice2. The visualisations depicted the turbines at 250m, not at any other height.
We have received feedback from a range of consultees, including local residents and community councils, on the original 19 viewpoints proposed within the Scoping Report. We are now using this feedback and working with LDA on the updated viewpoints to be included with the LVIA.
At our second round of public exhibitions, we presented updated visualisations based on the updated design along with a fly through video which included some of the additional LVIA viewpoints not included in the photomontages on display at the exhibitions. The video also shows views of the proposed development from five further locations, which have been requested by Cree Valley Community Council but will not be included in the LVIA. To view the video, please click here.
How will you ensure the wind farm doesn’t impact the wildlife in the area?
Extensive ecological surveys have been completed across the site for habitats, protected species and fish. The survey findings show that the habitats are a mix of areas of commercial conifer plantation and a mosaic of common upland vegetation types which are grazed by livestock, including areas of acid and marshy grasslands, bracken, wet heath and bog. The protected species surveys indicate the presence of otter, badger, bats, reptiles and potentially pine marten at, or in close proximity to, the site. The fisheries surveys indicated many of the suitable watercourses on and around the site contained brown trout, with one watercourse downstream having low numbers of Atlantic salmon. The design of the wind farm has included avoidance and buffering off key features. Full survey details and results will be presented in the EIA Report.
Extensive ornithological surveys have also been undertaken across the site. These comprised of targeted flight activity surveys and a range of distribution and abundance surveys for breeding waders, raptors and owls, black grouse and wintering birds. The survey findings showed limited presence of breeding waders with only snipe recorded breeding in relatively low numbers. Barn owl were identified to be nesting at one location within the site and potentially nesting at a second. Black grouse were also identified to be lekking at two locations within the survey area with one to two males present at each lek location.
The design of the wind farm has included appropriate buffers on known breeding sites for barn owl and lek sites for black grouse. Full survey details will be presented in the EIA Report
We are currently developing plans to enhance biodiversity on the site, including measures such as peatland restoration, native broadleaf planting and bracken control for grassland restoration. For more information, please click here.
What about the scheduled monuments on the site?
Our cultural heritage consultants have completed extensive site surveys, including an archaeological walkover, a setting assessment on designated assets and an accompanied site visit with Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The layout design has been revised in response to feedback from HES to minimise impacts on designated assets as far as possible.
Will the wind farm be noisy?
Operational and construction noise assessments will be undertaken in accordance with the relevant standards, current assessment methodologies and best practice. Background sound surveys will be recorded at a number of locations around the site to measure the existing background sound levels.
The results of the background sound survey will then be analysed by our acoustics team and will inform the setting of the noise limits which the wind farm must operate under. These limits will be agreed with the regulatory authority, and the site will be required to comply with these strict noise limits set within planning conditions.
How will you get the turbines to the site?
Turbine deliveries are a key phase in the construction of any wind farm. We will undertake Swept Path Analysis, pinch point and traffic volume analysis to assess route options and help minimise any potential impacts.
At this stage, we expect the wind turbines to come from Glasgow on the M74 then via the A75 accessing site from the southeast. We are proposing the construction of a new watercourse crossing near the existing bridge at Auchenleck as it is unsuitable for abnormal loads. This route avoids Newton Stewart.
Would the wind farm cause more flooding in the area?
Following assessment of desk-based resources, it was noted that river and surface water flooding risk is present at the River Cree tributaries located within the site (Washing Burn and Cordorcan Burn). As part of the design of the wind farm, infrastructure will be kept a minimum of 50m from watercourses, except where required for a watercourse crossing.
Any potential flood risk will be assessed as part of the application and in accordance with the scoping responses from SEPA and their Flood Risk Standing Advice. To further reduce flood risk across the site, existing tracks will be utilised as far as practicable.
Would the wind farm impact peat on site?
Peat depth surveys have been undertaken to understand peat depths and quality across the site. The surveys found that peat depth varied greatly, but in general indicated peat of less than 0.5m with some pockets of deeper peat.
The scheme has been designed to reduce infrastructure on areas of deep peat to avoid the sensitive habitats which it supports.
How will you ensure the wind farm doesn’t affect my private water supply?
In order to identify and protect private water supplies, hydrologists at ITPEnergised have undertaken consultation with Dumfries and Galloway Council, who have provided the location of properties with a registered private water supply within 2km of Blair Hill along with other information they hold about the supply.
The hydrologists also ground-truth this information with site walkover surveys and follow-up with local residents where necessary, in order to ensure that people’s private water supply locations have been identified, and that our data is as robust as possible.
Properties within 2km of Blair Hill with a registered private water supply, will have received a letter with a call for information. The call for information invites local residents who have private water supplies linked to Blair Hill to get in touch with ITPEnergised, with details of their private water supplies so that we can ensure all supplies are checked.
A private water supply assessment is being carried out for inclusion in the EIA Report. In accordance with SEPA Regulations, physical measures or additional protection would be in put in place where appropriate to minimise the risk to water quality.
Won’t the wind farm affect tourism and recreation in the area?
During construction of any infrastructure project the developer has a responsibility to ensure that the public is kept safe from any construction activity on the site. This inevitably means that access to some parts of the wind farm site would be temporarily restricted in the interests of public safety during construction of the project, but this will be temporary in nature.
Once the wind farm is up and running the statutory Scottish ‘right to roam’ (Land Reform [Scotland] Act 2003) will apply and the public will have full access to the site for activities like walking, cycling and horse-riding.
We are currently exploring the potential to deliver a heritage trail within the site. This trail could offer a unique opportunity to explore and unlock the area’s cultural and natural heritage For more information, please click here.
All research to date indicates that onshore wind development has had no adverse impact on the tourism industry in Scotland. However, an assessment will be included within the application with specific regard to whether the Blair Hill project will have any effect on tourism behaviour and the tourism economy.
The assessment will consider the potential effects that the development could have on tourism following a focused approach on effects related to the UNESCO Biosphere and key tourist attractions and recreation assets.
The BIGGAR Economics report: Wind Farms and Tourism Trends in Scotland (20213), found that while the capacity of wind farms had more than quadrupled over the study period, employment in tourism related sectors had increased by more than 20%. It found no relationship between tourism employment and wind farm development, at the level of the Scottish economy, across local authorities nor in the locality of wind farm sites.
Could the wind farm affect the campaign to create the Galloway National Park?
We understand the importance of the campaign to create the Galloway National Park to the local community.
Guidance4 published by the Scottish Government in October 2023 in relation to nominations for national park status states:
“All areas of Scotland are eligible to submit nominations to become a new National Park (including those that have current or potential onshore wind developments). To ensure any National Park addresses the climate emergency and supports progressive development, we will develop new bespoke planning policy on onshore wind to be applied in new National Parks. This means that a new National Park will be treated differently to existing National Parks with respect to NPF4 policy for onshore wind.”
The Blair Hill wind farm proposal would not affect the potential for the area to be designated as a National Park.
What about the health impacts?
Whilst multiple, peer reviewed and independent studies have shown there is no connection between wind turbines and negative health effects, it is still a matter we take seriously.
One of the most common concerns relates to low-frequency noise commonly known as infrasound. Low frequency noise is not audible or perceptible to humans as it occurs at similar levels to pre-existing background levels. Multiple organisations and studies from around the world, including the World Health Organisation, indicate that there is no evidence that any infrasound/low frequency noise from wind turbines directly causes health impacts or can otherwise impact on the amenity of those living or working near wind turbines.
Can wind turbines be recycled?
While about 90% of turbines are easily recyclable, turbine blades are not widely recyclable yet. The industry recognises this and extensive work is underway to establish a circular economy.
There is research underway into producing a 100% recyclable turbine blade and a recent pilot project in Northern Ireland has developed a scalable method to recycle 100% of turbine blades, ensuring that valuable resources are turned into new products that can substitute materials such as virgin plastics, steel, and concrete instead of simply going to waste.
There are also options for blade re-purposing. Blade material is incredibly strong and when in a suitable condition, it can be repurposed for new structures. This reduces landfill, retains embodied carbon in the material, reduces the need for virgin material and creates skilled jobs.
Whilst there are a finite number of other structures which could be constructed from blade material, there is also potential to refurbish blades for use as second-hand blades.
Wouldn’t manufacturing wind turbines produce more carbon emissions than they save in their lifetime?
Harnessing of wind for the generation of electricity may rely on a renewable source of energy, but it must also prove to be sustainable. A typical modern wind turbine’s carbon payback time ranges from 1 to 3 years, equating to between 1% and 4% of the wind turbine’s lifetime.
A modern wind turbine would be expected to return at least 20 times the energy invested in it as renewable electricity.
The final carbon calculation for the Blair Hill proposal will be undertaken once the design has been finalised and captured in the final Environmental Impact Assessment Report which will accompany the planning application.
Do wind farms affect property values?
Queries are often raised in relation to the potential of wind farms to impact upon the value of house prices as there can be a perception that there must be a negative effect on house prices. Property value is subjective and can be affected by a range of factors. There is no firm evidence on whether UK onshore wind farms do or do not affect house prices, this is further evidenced from various studies on the same topic having starkly different results. We are aware of residents close to other renewable energy projects, who enjoy having renewable energy projects close by and believe that they add value to their community.
Why onshore wind?
We are facing a climate emergency, and at the same time seeking to enhance the security of our energy supply. Onshore wind can address both of these.
Wind energy is a free and inexhaustible resource which has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix. It increases energy security by reducing our reliance on imports and builds our resilience to sudden price fluctuations or the uncertainty of global markets. It can be quick to build and the carbon payback time is usually within 1-3 years.
Onshore wind, alongside other renewable technologies, are also the cheapest form of new electricity generation5.
Don’t we have enough wind farms in Scotland as a whole now?
The Scottish Government is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
It is important to note, carbon reduction is required across all sectors, including heat, transport and industrial processes, which are currently heavily reliant on fossil fuels. It is forecast that Scotland’s peak demand for electricity will at least double within the next twenty years as a result.
This will require a substantial increase in installed capacity across all renewable technologies, including onshore wind.
There are significant grid infrastructure development plans in place that will build out throughout the second half of this decade that will allow for a far higher output of electricity generation from wind and other renewables in Scotland and reduce our reliance on expensive gas back up.
Onshore wind added £2.4 billion to Scotland’s economy in 2019 and employs over 8,700 people.
How will the local community benefit from the proposed Blair Hill Wind Farm?
RES seeks to be a power for good in the communities that neighbour its projects by working openly and constructively to ensure tangible local benefits.
Some of the most direct and meaningful benefits that can be delivered from a wind farm proposal like Blair Hill are jobs and employment for local businesses and contractors, in addition to the use of local services and amenities, all of which can generate a significant amount of inward investment within the area. The Blair Hill Wind Farm, if consented, is predicted to deliver around £4.1 million of inward investment in the form of jobs, employment and the use of local services.
RES is committed to using local contractors in all aspects of the project. If you’re a local business interested in getting involved in onshore wind then please contact us.
A tailored community benefits package to support the local area and help to secure long-term economic, social and environmental benefits would be delivered if the project is consented. The community fund is not linked to profit but a set sum equivalent to £5,000 per MW and would be index-linked.
Some of the ideas received to date include biodiversity initiatives, a local apprenticeship scheme, home insulation grants and funding for community facilities.. We welcome further ideas for local benefits and priority projects that you would like to see supported or delivered in your community from Blair Hill Wind Farm, should it receive consent.
Will you offer shared ownership?
RES is interested to understand whether there is any appetite from the community in exploring the opportunity of shared ownership in the wind farm. If shared ownership is something that interests you, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch or come along to our public exhibitions in October. Local Energy Scotland is the independent body that manages the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). To find out more about the scheme visit: https://localenergy.scot/hub/shared-ownership/
What happens next and how do I have my say?
We know that local people can make a valuable contribution to the proposals by offering their local knowledge and raising issues that may not have been considered and we’re committed to keeping you informed.
We have established a Community Liaison Group (CLG) whose members include locally elected representatives plus representatives from local community groups, local businesses and other stakeholders. The key objectives of the CLG are to provide a forum for discussion and the exchange of information and to create and maintain effective and constructive channels of communication between RES and the local community.
Attendance at the CLG meetings is for the aforementioned members and members of the Blair Hill Wind Farm CLG are asked to disseminate information back to and make representation on behalf of the communities they represent. For more information, click here.
We held second public exhibitions in May 2024, ahead of submitting any planning application, to present an updated design for the Blair Hill Wind Farm proposal. As part of the consultation materials available at the exhibition, there is a comprehensive report summarising the feedback gathered from the first consultation and illustrating how this feedback has fed into the iterative design process. Click here to view the report.
Once the Section 36 planning application has been submitted, the determining authority will advertise the planning submission and hold a statutory consultation period whereupon members of the public, as well as statutory consultees, can submit their formal comments on the proposal. These representations will then be assessed against the proposal and a planning decision made by the determining authority in due course.
We intend to hold a number of drop-in information events once the application has been submitted. The drop-in sessions will enable local residents and interested parties to find out more about the planning application, view key documents and ask any questions they may have. If you would like to be kept up to date with the proposal and informed about the next steps please contact us.
What if I couldn’t make it to the second public exhibitions?
The information presented at the second public exhibitions is available by clicking here.
1 The homes figure has been calculated by taking the predicted annual electricity generation of the site (based on RES assessments Blair Hill has a predicted capacity factor of 46.3%) and dividing this by the annual average electricity figures from the DESNZ showing that the annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239 kWh (January 2024).
2 https://www.nature.scot/doc/visual-representation-wind-farms-guidance
3 https://biggareconomics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BiGGAR-Economics-Wind-Farms-and-Tourism-2021.pdf
4 https://www.gov.scot/publications/new-national-parks-nominations-guidance-appraisal-framework/
5 https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4122038/wake-opponents-net-zero-government-predicts-gas-power-times-expensive-renewables-2025