West Coast Energy - Cushnie Wind Energy

Engineering & Transport

ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKING WORK TO ASSESS THE TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING A WIND FARM AT THIS SITE. THIS WORK INCLUDES:
  • An initial review of local geology
  • A review of potential sources of construction materials
  • A design for the on-site track layout and assessment of the route to the site from the B9119
  • Drawings to accompany the planning application e.g. turbine specifications, hardstanding requirements, cable trenches and control building ion/control building layouts
Where possible, local construction firms will be used as this will benefit local businesses and minimise the volume of construction traffic.

Engineers are also advising on the predicted number of vehicle movements during the construction period. An on-site borrow pit will be created for materials for the track construction but aggregate for the concrete bases is likely to be sourced from a local quarry.

The delivery of the turbine components (towers, nacelles and blades) will require ~65 exceptional load deliveries over the construction period of several months. These are likely to come from Aberdeen via the B9119.
The size of vehicles is typically:
  • Maximum vehicle height = 4.65 metres
  • Maximum vehicle width = 4.50 metres
  • Maximum vehicle length approximately 50 metres
The route taken by vehicles and the timing of deliveries during construction will be considered carefully in order to minimise disruption for local residents. Once construction has been completed, traffic to the site will be minimal.

Views are being sought from local residents as to the most appropriate route. The option illustrated on the right is our preferred route.

Construction

Turbines will be installed on concrete foundations, with the towers, nacelles and blades lifted in place using cranes. Electrical cables between all turbines and the control building will be buried underground, adjacent to the access track. An existing electricity sub station lies just to the south east of the site near Cauldhame which will minimise the requirement for new overhead lines.
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