Galileo, developers of proposed windfarm in the Cabrach in Moray, told to ‘keep their money’ amid discounted electricity plans
The developers of a proposed windfarm in a rural community have been told to “keep their money and their turbines” after the launch of a public consultation which could see many residents receive discounted electricity.
The Cabrach, which is located just a few miles south of Dufftown, is already home to 77 turbines.
But plans for further developments could see the area become the largest onshore wind park in the entire UK.
The initial proposal from Galileo is for a 74 turbine wind farm in the Cabrach.
Public consultations were held in May and the developers expect to return and repeat the exercise with updated proposals in early 2025.
In the meantime, however, Galileo is holding another consultation on the prospect of providing household electricity discounts for residents in and around the Cabrach.
The developers have already outlined initial plans to provide every household within 5km of the site with a subsidy equivalent to 100 per cent of the annual average electricity bill.
Trevor Smith is among the residents who may eligible for the subsidy.
He moved to the area in 2023 from the Isle of Wight with his partner.
The pair left family and friends behind for what they thought was their dream home but they insist they will leave the area if further developments get the go-ahead.
Mr Smith said: “A bit of free electricity isn’t enough quite frankly.
“We would say keep your money and keep your turbines. We don’t need anymore. We’ve got enough.
“They hardly ever turn. We’d rather just pay our electricity bill as it is at the moment and keep the turbines that we’ve got because we don’t have a choice with those. They’re already here.
“It’s a bribe in my view but if the government rides roughshod over the community then at the very least give us the free electricity but also give us compensation for loss of value to property as well.
“No matter how many people's bills they pay, if that's what they intend to do, it doesn't forgive or validate the trashing of the landscape, the killing of the wildlife and the spoiling of a very historical site.”
Despite the opposition of some residents, Galileo insist they are determined to be “good neighbours” to the Cabrach.
They say that the offer of electricity discounts is recognition that in the past community benefit funds have been “poorly allocated” or under used for the benefit of locals.
Jason Morin, Galileo’s Senior Project Manager, says they are keen that the benefits of the power generated in the area are made available to the local people.
He said: “We have already announced that everyone in the immediate local area will receive a payment every year equivalent to the average annual electricity bill, but the scale of our development makes possible something that goes much wider, and deeper.
“However, there remains much to be set out in the detail of our scheme, including the level of support as you move away from the immediate local area.
“We are determined that our innovative project, delivering both clean, green power and also one of the largest peatland restoration projects in the country, also makes a tangible difference for local people.
“I encourage everyone living near the project to take part (in the public consultation) and share their views.”
The Dorenell Extension Wind Farm and Biodiversity Enhancement Plan is in the initial stages of development.
The proposals include 74 turbines, a battery storage scheme and a peatland restoration project.
It is expected that a formal planning application will be submitted in 2025.
