Craigengelt Wind Farm is GDF SUEZ’s first onshore windfarm project in the UK. The windfarm was completed early 2010 and is located in Craigengelt, near Stirling, Scotland. The wind farm consists of eight turbines with a total capacity of 20MW, which is enough electricity to power 9,000 homes and prevent the release of 27,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
Why Craigengelt?
GDF SUEZ Energy UK is aware of the sensitivities surrounding wind farm development and the Craigengelt site was selected for the following reasons:
- It is the least visible site in Stirling and Clackmannanshire and shielded by high ground on three sides.
- The site is outside the Campsie, Ochill and Trossach ranges.
- The site is within an area deemed by Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council as suitable for wind farm development.
- The site has very high wind speeds, meaning a lot of electricity can be generated.
- It is an area currently used for rough grazing only.
- The area is sparsely populated.
- Easy road access can be achieved south from Stirling.
- Grid capacity is available in Stirling via underground cable and is not dependant on the Beauly to Denny Transmission Line.