About The Project
Current Efforts
Project initiation began in 2023. The project team are currently undertaking technical and environmental surveys and assessments to establish baseline conditions across the site. Information and data will be used to inform the project’s design by responding sensitively to constraints.
Invenergy will seek consent from Scottish Ministers under Section 36 of The Electricity Act 1989 (as amended) together with deemed planning permission under s57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. Prior to this a Scoping Request will be submitted to Scottish Ministers to agree the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The EIA will be submitted in support of the s36 application and will robustly assess the impact of the development on the receiving environment. The final operating capacity, turbine size and layout will be based on environmental and technical considerations identified and evaluated during both scoping and EIA stages, and public consultation. The design of the scheme will be subject to ongoing refinement to achieve the most optimal solution to deliver maximum energy yields whilst limiting environmental effects.
A formal Scoping Request has been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) as of August 2024. Please click here to review the report.
Invenergy in the UK
Invenergy has been committed to the United Kingdom's clean energy future since 2013, and our Edinburgh-based team continues to responsibly develop innovative sustainable energy solutions across the county. Currently, Invenergy, with their joint venture partners, has successfully completed development on three onshore wind projects in Scotland: the operational Bettyhill and Corriegarth projects in the Highland Council, and the Pencloe Wind Farm, which recently started construction in the East Ayrshire Council area.
Why Mid Hill?
Invenergy develops onshore wind projects where there is a strong wind resource, grid connection availability, and landowners who want to participate in the project. Invenergy is committed to our host communities and looks forward to engaging meaningfully as the project develops.
The majority of the site falls within the Dun Knowe group landscape character area identified in the Scottish Borders Landscape Capacity and Cumulative Impact report, where there is "…limited existing turbine development… (the group) can accommodate additional development of medium, large and very large turbines." In February 2023, the Scottish Government adopted the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), the long-term national spatial strategy for Scotland. Within NPF4, wind generation over 50MW is categorised as a National Development. National Developments are significant developments of national importance that are relied on to deliver the spatial strategy. Furthermore, they are supported by statements of need. Mid Hill Wind Farm has been selected within this policy context and need in order to achieve net zero and improve electricity network resilience.
Infrastructure Development
Mid Hill will undergo several iterations of design before it is finalised. Design decisions are based on the results from (but not limited to) environmental studies including ornithology, ecology, hydrology, cultural heritage assessment, landscape architect advice, proximity to housing and communities, peatland, topography, and stakeholder feedback, including the host community.
Onshore wind continues to be the lowest cost form of renewable energy, it is expected that the design and manufacture of commercial wind turbines will evolve and result in a wider choice of turbines than is currently available.
The supply of smaller turbines across Europe is already reducing due to lack of demand as manufacturers are recognising that the world market is shifting to larger turbines and are focusing their development work on increasing capacity and efficiency of the turbine technology to secure the highest yield.
Energy storage is anticipated to form part of the scheme. Energy storage systems enable the increased uptake of renewable energy by providing system stability allowing the generation asset to work harder and avoid the need to extend the transmission network by building new overhead lines and other infrastructure.
Consultation
Invenergy is committed to undertaking meaningful consultation with the local community and stakeholders despite consultation not being a requirement s36 applications.
During the development period, this website will be regularly updated and at least two rounds of in-person public exhibitions will take place. These events will be advertised locally, with a phone number, email and postal address provided to receive comment and feedback. It is also anticipated that meetings will take place with the neighbouring Community Councils, local residents and interested parties. Feedback will be considered in the scheme’s design and EIA.
This enables the local community and all those with an interest in the proposals to have a clear opportunity to view the proposals, and importantly provide comment and feedback.