View of turbine from base
Earlsburn
Press Release
Earlsburn Wind Farm Update
Background
Construction of the Earlsburn Wind Farm, located on open moorland in the Campsie Hills, between Stirling and Glasgow, Scotland. Hart Hill north of the Carron Reservoir, started in March 2006. The wind farm was completed in December 2007.
Containing 15 turbines and when operating fully it will generate enough clean, green electricity to supply around 25,000 homes – roughly equal to half of all the homes in the Stirling Council area.
The wind farm is owned and will be operated by Falck Renewables. The main contractor is a German company, Nordex AG, one of the world’s leading turbine suppliers who built and installed the turbines. RJ McLeod is carrying out the civil engineering work and Econnect are undertaking the electrical design and installation on site. Scottish Power is providing the grid connection and associated equipment. The grid connection from Bonny Bridge is more than 20km long and will all be underground. Work on the section on the B818 will involve the use of traffic lights.
Traffic Management
One of the most important aspects of the construction phase is managing traffic so that disruption is kept to a minimum. Construction will mean additional vehicles on the B818 but we have taken steps to keep the numbers as low as possible. For example, all aggregate for track construction and concrete will be taken from a borrow pit on site and won’t need to be transported by road.
We’ve been working with Falkirk and Stirling Councils to agree road improvement work and traffic management plans. Over the last few weeks measures to improve road safety have been completed on the B818. Passing places have been constructed, speed restrictions have been implemented, new signs have been erected and road markings improved. There is still some work to do in the Crummocksteps area and the details are being finalised with Falkirk Council.
There will be workers travelling to and from the site on a daily basis for the duration of construction. From March to mid May we expect on average 1 to 2 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) per day associated with wind farm construction. There may also be the occasional wide load which will be escorted by the police. Deliveries of sand, cement and other materials required for the turbine bases will increase traffic to 10 to 12 HGVs per day until mid August. Delivery of electrical equipment will be concentrated in August and September. Delivery of the large loads carrying the towers and the turbines themselves will begin near the end of August and last for about 2 months. About 120 large loads will be delivered under escort.
How to contact us
We have set up a Liaison Group to make sure you know what’s going on during the construction period. The Group is made up of members of the local community councils and representatives from the construction team. It meets on a regular basis to discuss any construction related issues. If you would like to speak to anyone about the wind farm please contact the Site Agent, Donnie Campbell, on 01360 860451or 07769 687 062 or Ian Smith of Falck Renewables on 07830 161 869.