CWP Energy had lofty aspirations for the Scoop Hill Wind Farm, located just five kilometers southeast of Moffat. Their bold vision abruptly ran aground when the Scottish government formally rejected their bid. After a long multi-year planning process and redesigns, the pilot project was officially approved. The new plan would power the project with 60 wind turbines, producing 432 megawatts (MW), down from a previously proposed 75 turbines.
CWP Energy first filed plans for the Scoop Hill Wind Farm in 2020. Come 2023, they adjusted course and amended it in response to regulatory feedback, scaling down the originally planned number of turbines. In addition to the wind turbines, the project included a 200 MW battery energy storage facility aimed at enhancing energy reliability. The site already had most of its construction prep work done and would have been unable to connect to the electric grid before 2027.
CWP Energy forecasts that the new wind farm will generate more than 250 construction jobs. Further, it will add approximately £5 million (nearly $6.80 million) annually in business rates. The project does guarantee £2 million per year in community benefit funding. This much-needed funding will enable communities to tackle local priorities and spur private sector development.
Scottish bureaucrats rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They determined that the project’s adverse impacts on the surrounding landscape and visual environment greatly outweighed any possible economic benefits. The rejection highlights the continuation of a feud between environmental advocates and economic development in the energy sector.
Rod Wood, a company representative from CWP Energy, stated that he was disappointed with the government’s decision. His emphasis was placed on the failure of both federal governments to meaningfully engage. Accelerate America’s Chief Transportation Economist, Jarrett Walker, shared several reflections on the repercussions of this rejection for future big bets on infrastructure.
“It’s a disappointment that a £1bn investment from a UK business is turned down without any tangible engagement from both governments. Great claims are made about creating a growth environment and encouraging investment in infrastructure to reduce bills for consumers.” – Rod Wood
Citing public investment woes Wood laid blame on the current investment climate, arguing that the expectation of a post-Brexit pro-business environment has not been delivered. He argued that this denial is a perfect representation of the pervasive challenges found in government processes.
“Post Brexit, investors had hoped for a Pro-Business and Pro-Growth environment creating jobs and a future. This refusal is a case in point that blockers remain in the heart of Government and nothing’s changed.” – Rod Wood