Wind Park Progress
Work relating to the Castlemilk and Carmunnock Community Wind Farm project formally commenced in July 2002, when CEDA brought together the steering group for its first meeting. Key milestones in the development of the wider project to date have included:
January 2003. A ‘Desk Top’ Feasibility Study was carried out by Dr Stas Burek of Caledonian University (Faculty of Natural & Built Environment). As a result:
- Five possible sites were identified.
- Two potential sites were chosen:
Cathkin Braes (Carmunnock) and Netherton Braes (Castlemilk) and recommendation was given for a full technical study and environmental study to be carried out.
April 2003.The Castlemilk & Carmunnock Community Consultation Group (a sub group of the main steering Group) was formed and a Community Consultation Strategy was produced.
June 2003. Appropriate funding was sourced to enable the Technical Study to be carried out and an invitation to tender was distributed to an approved number of technical consultants.
August 2003. Entec Consultancy were awarded the contract to carry out a technical study on both sites.
October 2003. After initial investigation of both sites, Entec advised that Cathkin Braes was the preferred option for development of Wind Farm.
November 2003. Planning application for construction of Met. Mast on Cathkin Braes site submitted to Glasgow City Council.
March 2004. Planning permission for Met Mast granted.
April 2004. Met Mast erected on site and final draft report (minus wind speed data) produced by Entec.
FUTURE STEPS
A Full Planning Application will be submitted to Glasgow City Council in 2005. Estimated capital costs for the project are £5.2 million. Annual running costs are estimated at £200000 with the potential for annual net profits of £250000. The financial model is based on fifty percent grant funding and fifty percent loan/social investment. Initial approaches to potential funders and agencies will be made in late 2004. The profits generated from the Wind Farm will be put into a local trust fund to support the long-term sustainability of the area and to further social, environmental, educational and economic objectives.