Rowancraig Wind Farm Receives Approval in Scotland
Koehler Renewable Energy has received planning approval for the proposed Rowancraig Wind Farm near Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The Planning Committee of the Dumfries and Galloway Council approved the project, paving the way for the next phase of its development. The decision marks an important milestone for Koehler Renewable Energy and for the further expansion of renewable energy generation in the United Kingdom.
Project Development Through Regional Engagement
As part of an extensive consultation and engagement process, the project was refined in close cooperation with local stakeholders, authorities, and residents. The original design was reduced from eight to six wind turbines following feedback received during the consultation process. The wind farm will have a total installed capacity of up to 36 MW and, once operational, is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 35,973 homes.
Renewable Energy and Regional Economic Benefits
In addition to contributing to decarbonization and supporting the UK's net zero ambitions, the project is expected to provide significant economic benefits for the region. During the construction and operational phases, it will create opportunities for local businesses and support employment across Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire. Furthermore, an annual Community Benefit Fund of approximately £180,000 will be established to support local projects, associations, and community initiatives over the long term. Alan Mathewson, Managing Director of Koehler Renewable Energy UK, comments: "We are delighted to receive approval for the Rowancraig Wind Farm. I would like to thank everyone who actively participated in the consultation process and contributed to the development of the project. The constructive collaboration with local communities, authorities, and other stakeholders has been a key element of our approach. We look forward to continuing this dialogue throughout the next stages of the project and delivering lasting benefits for the region."
Jamie Shovelin, Member Services Manager, Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, welcomes the project’s potential economic impact: "The six-turbine proposals represent a significant supply chain opportunity and a chance to support apprenticeships and locally sourced jobs. The project will offer significant investment involving local business, and we look forward to working closely with KRE as matters progress."
The project has also received strong support from the education sector. James Johnstone, Schools Development Lead Scotland at the Social Enterprise Academy, says: "The Social Enterprise Academy team would like to formally express its support for the Rowancraig Wind Farm and wish KRE every success in other projects across Scotland. It has been a pleasure to work with the team, and we believe that their values put communities first, with a genuine desire to support young people in the communities they work in, as well as to create a meaningful legacy of engagement, regardless of how individual projects are determined."
Another Step Forward for the International Portfolio
With the approval of the Rowancraig Wind Farm, Koehler Renewable Energy continues to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio in the United Kingdom and across Europe. The project underlines the company's long-term commitment to combining renewable energy generation with tangible local benefits. Nicolas Christoph, Managing Director of Koehler Renewable Energy, says: "The approval of the Rowancraig Wind Farm is an important milestone for Koehler Renewable Energy. The project exemplifies our approach of developing renewable energy projects in partnership with local communities while creating long-term value for the region. We are excited to take the project into its next phase and to continue supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future."
Contributing to the "Koehler Promise 2030"
The Rowancraig Wind Farm supports the Koehler Group's sustainability strategy and the "Koehler Promise 2030". The goal is to generate, through the company's own renewable energy assets, more energy from renewable sources than is required for paper production by 2030.
