Wind farm expansion sparks air traffic control concerns
The future of Hare Hill wind farm is in question as air traffic control authorities raise concerns over plans to repower one of Scotland's oldest wind farms.
NATS, the body responsible for managing UK airspace, has objected to the proposals, citing potential impacts on radar systems that could affect air traffic control at Prestwick. The current site, located between Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire, features 55 turbines, but Scottish Power Renewables aims to decommission them and replace them with 23 new, taller ones.
NATS's concerns revolve around the impact on Great Dun Fell and Lowther radar, which could reduce the ability to detect aircraft. They have objected to the plans in their current form, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessment of potential impacts on air traffic control.
The Hare Hill wind farm, with its 20 turbines standing at 63 meters (200 feet), is one of the country's oldest, operational since 1999. An extension with 35 turbines at 91 meters (300 feet) was added around 18 years later. If approved, Scottish Power Renewables plans to replace all turbines on a phased basis, starting with the oldest ones and gradually introducing new, taller models.
The new turbines, standing between 150 meters (490 feet) and 200 meters (650 feet) high, would significantly increase the wind farm's capacity, producing more than three times the current electricity output. This could meet the energy needs of approximately 75,000 homes.
Scottish Power Renewables has addressed community feedback in developing its plans and has already allocated millions of pounds from a benefit fund to local projects. However, the scale of the expansion has prompted NATS to oppose the plans, which will ultimately be decided by the Scottish government.
