Canadian renewable energy leader Boralex Inc. has secured a significant regulatory victory in the United Kingdom. The company announced that Scottish Ministers have granted approval for its proposed Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension, a major project located near Dufftown in Moray.
A Major Boost for Scotland's Renewable Targets
The approved development, situated to the west of the existing Clashindarroch Wind Farm, is set to be a substantial contributor to Scotland's clean energy goals. The project will comprise up to 21 wind turbines and will be integrated with a 50-megawatt battery storage facility. Once operational, the extension will have a total capacity of 189 megawatts (MW).
Esbjorn Wilmar, Vice President for the United Kingdom at Boralex, emphasized the company's long-term commitment to the region. "Our company is strongly committed to long-term investment in Scotland as part of our 2030 Strategy," Wilmar stated. He pointed to the company's existing Limekiln Wind Farm near Thurso as evidence, noting it represented £29.5 million in construction expenditure for the Scottish economy, with £8.4 million spent locally in Caithness.
Tangible Socio-Economic Benefits for Moray
Beyond generating clean electricity, Boralex has structured a comprehensive community benefits package designed to leave a lasting positive legacy. The centerpiece is a community fund worth up to £693,000 per year, which will be index-linked over the project's expected 40-year lifespan.
This fund is tailored to address specific local needs and includes several targeted initiatives:
- Direct energy bill support of £1,849 annually for households within 5km of the turbines.
- A one-off lump sum of up to £20,000 for home energy efficiency improvements for the same eligible households.
- A £45,000-per-year Scholarship Fund to provide 15 scholarships in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and construction skills for students from Moray.
The remainder of the Community Benefit Fund will support local projects decided in consultation with residents. Additionally, an up to £138,000-per-year Socio-Economic Fund, administered by Moray Council, will focus on supply chain development, business support, and community wealth building.
Strategic Milestone for Boralex's European Ambitions
Jean-Christophe Dall’Ava, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Europe at Boralex, hailed the approval as a critical achievement. "I am very proud of the work of our teams, whose close collaboration made this major milestone possible," he said.
Dall’Ava added that securing consent for the Clashindarroch extension brings Boralex closer to its goal of achieving a leadership position in the UK market. He stated the project "once again demonstrates Boralex’s ability to deliver high-quality projects that meet the significant energy needs of our markets."
Boralex's approach reflects a corporate philosophy that renewable energy projects should deliver more than just power. "We believe this package of benefits will make a tangible and positive difference to the community," concluded Wilmar. "Boralex looks forward to working closely with the local community, stakeholders, and government partners to deliver this project and contribute meaningfully to Scotland’s renewable energy future."
