Berry bpi: Plans for two wind turbines to power Ardeer plant

The application, submitted by renewables developer The Farm Energy Company, would see two 150-metre turbines erected on a brownfield site to the west of the Ardeer Peninsula - to power a factory whose operators recently announced job cuts at the plant.

The turbines would be used to deliver renewable energy for the nearby Berry bpi facility, which has been operating on the Ardeer Industrial Estate for nearly 40 years.

The plans which have now been brought forward have been scaled back from those which were originally submitted in October of last year.

It was originally proposed that three turbines would be built on the site - each 150 metres tall to the tip of the blade.

But these plans were withdrawn in January 2023 as the developers said they wanted to "reconsult with the local community" and refine the proposals.

The revised plans have now been unveiled - with a total generating capacity of 9.6 megawatts from two turbines instead of three.

It was conversations with local residents and stakeholders which led to this latest application which  would see two turbines with a generating capacity of 9.6MW installed on the brownfield site, instead of the three originally proposed.

Locals gave their views at a community consultation in April and Sarah Lapsley, technical director at the Farm Energy Company, said she appreciated all the feedback which was gathered.

The turbines will help power the Berry bpi factory. (Image: Street View)

Ms Lapsley said: "I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part in our consultation and left feedback with our project team for our proposed wind farm in Ardeer.

"We are delighted to confirm we have now submitted our revised planning application.

“The feedback received to date has been extremely valuable, and I am pleased to confirm that we are taking forward an application for a two-turbine development following a review of the proposals and through extensive consultation with local stakeholders.

“Despite the loss of the turbine, our proposals will still deliver a renewable energy scheme that aligns with climate and energy goals, while also supporting a vitally important local employer, Berry bpi, with their energy diversification, and energy security, during a time of unprecedented financial pressure on businesses."

And while the project is beneficial to Berry bpi, community groups are also in line to profit from the plans.

Sarah added: “As part of the development, we remain committed to providing a community benefit fund of £2,500 per consented megawatt per annum to support projects in the local community.

"Over the coming months we’ll be holding conversations with local community groups to explore these opportunities."

If the application gets planning approval, it is anticipated that construction will start later next year, with the project energised immediately upon completion around late 2025.

Once the turbines reach the end of their operational phase, they would be decommissioned, and all components removed from the site.

If approved, the turbines are set to be operational for 20 years.

In July we reported that Berry bpi planned to make 20 staff at the plant redundant - with a member of staff at the plant speaking to us of their fears that "the place might not be open in six months".