Railpen and Scottish independent renewable energy business GreenPower have created a joint venture to co-develop the circa 66MW Barachander onshore wind project in North Argyll.
Barachander is described as the ‘sister’ project to the operational 46MW Carraig Gheal wind farm, which is co-owned by Railpen and GreenPower.
The Barachander development is located within an upland area next to an existing hydroelectric scheme. Between nine and 11 wind turbines at up to 180m from ground level to the top of the blade tip are planned.
The project is currently at the pre-planning consultation stage and the joint venture partners intend to submit a planning application later this year.
Rob Forrest, CEO of GreenPower, said: “Our partnership with Railpen is a very positive one, and it is brilliant that our own independent Scottish company and the country’s railway workers can combine our resources in this way, to not just create new green energy, but to make a difference to people locally and nationally.The Barachander wind farm is proposed in a good location for a relatively modest number of turbines with good energy yield. We are also creating the Argyll hydrogen hub in the region, and Barachander can play a part in this powerhouse for clean renewable energy in the north of Argyll.”
Tim Grimstone, investment manager at Railpen, added: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with GreenPower. Barachander represents an attractive opportunity to participate in the development of a significant onshore wind project, adding to our existing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the UK. Railpen aims to provide long term returns for our members whilst having a positive impact on the world in which they live.
“The government’s recent push to accelerate onshore and offshore wind development aligns perfectly with our goals, including our pledge to achieve net zero across our investment portfolio by 2050. Partnering with the team at GreenPower helps us to achieve these goals, while the Barachander project itself will also provide substantial social and economic benefits.”
