Crossdykes Wind Farm brings forward the next generation of renewable development; the UK’s largest fully subsidy-free wind farm, with the longest turbines blades, and the highest level of community investment per MW.
A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken and followed the advice provided throughout the scoping process.
Muirhall has had exceptional levels of engagement with the local community and industry to bring forward an outstanding development that not only tackled the removal of subsidies but was fit for the future. In 2019 Muirhall secured a tip height increase for the site via a Section 42 application approved by Dumfries & Galloway Council, optimising the capacity for maximum delivery of renewable energy.
In 2020 Crossdykes was the first subsidy-free wind farm to enter the balancing market in a ground-breaking contract.
Throughout the development and construction process, Muirhall collaborated with the local community to deliver a development that will supply a lasting benefit. Crossdykes will deliver an industry-leading £7,000 per MW each year, leading the way in developer-led community investments, demonstrating Muirhall’s commitment to local communities and ensuring that value is added directly to the area. During the construction period, the addition of an Initial Investment Fund of £100,000 supported 32 community projects. For more details, please see here
The Crossdykes’ turbines have been named by members of the community, with school pupils from Applegarth and Hutton Primaries and Lockerbie care-home residents all submitting imaginative suggestions.
Nicholas Jennings, Chair, Eskdalemuir Community
Stuart Dodd, Grange Quarry Ltd
Margaret Sanderson, Former Chair, Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk
Jamie Parsons, Briskona Ltd
Ronnie Tait, Local Ward Councillor, Dumfries and Galloway Council
To meet the operational needs of the wind farm Muirhall have facilitated the installation of 7.8km of internet fibre to the Crossdykes site. To support the local community, Muirhall Energy have worked in partnership with Scottish company Briskona Ltd to offer a Fixed Wireless and FTTP offering to the properties closest to the wind farm, supplying super-fast broadband, where previously connectivity was low.
The construction of the windfarm sought services from 18 local businesses in the Drumfries & Galloway area, and during the COVID-19 pandemic provided guaranteed income whilst the wider economy was in decline, bringing £3.4 million into the local economy. During the development and construction of the Crossdykes Wind Farm Muirhall generated:
It has been estimated that the operations and maintenance of Crossdykes Wind Farm could generate the following each year:
Planning approved by Dumfries & Galloway Council March 2018.
S42 for tip increase approved in June 2019.
10 turbines = 4.8 MW each.
Total Installed Capacity = Up to 48MW, however generation capped at 46MW.
Height to blade tip = up to 176.5m.