Heartland Community Wind is investigating the potential to repower its existing wind turbines near Kenmore which have been operating for nearly 12 years. HCW is at an early stage of considering whether replacing the two existing 250 kW turbines with single or twin larger modern turbines could extend the life of this community-owned asset and increase its contribution to local renewable-energy generation. and to the community benefit funds we generate
What is being considered?
The possibility under investigation is the replacement of the two existing turbines with one or two larger modern turbines. Earlier feasibility work indicated that repowering may be technically achievable, but further work is now required to test whether a project of this kind would be both technically feasible and economically viable.No decision has been taken to proceed with a repowering project, and no planning application has been submitted. The current work is exploratory and is intended to provide HCW, its members and the local community with a clear evidence base before any future decisions are made.
Why is HCW considering repowering?
The existing turbines are now around 12 years old and are more than halfway through their expected 20-year operating life. Without future investment, community ownership of the site could come to an end within the next eight years.
HCW therefore considers it prudent to investigate whether the site could continue to generate community-owned renewable electricity for a further period. Repowering, if shown to be viable, could also increase output from an already-developed site and provide greater long-term support for the HCW community benefit fund. It would also allow more individuals
to become members of HCW itself.
What work is currently under way?
With support from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) which helps communities engage with, participate in, and benefit from Scotland’s
transition to net zero, HCW is carrying out early-stage development work to understand the
opportunities, constraints and likely costs associated with repowering. This includes:
- Environmental and ecological survey work.
- Initial assessment of access routes and construction requirements.
- Grid-connection feasibility work with Scottish and Southern Energy Networks.
- Preparation of a pre-planning enquiry to Perth and Kinross Council and the relevant statutory
consultees to understand the requirements for a planning application. - Engagement with landowners and technical advisers.
- Development of the technical, environmental and financial information needed to assess
overall viability.
These studies will help HCW understand whether repowering is appropriate for the site, what
scale of development might be suitable, and what environmental, grid and financial issues
would need to be addressed.
Keeping the community informed
Should the studies demonstrate that a repowering project is both technically feasible and economically viable, HCW intends to present the proposals to the local community through a range of channels, including this website, local media, community meetings and public exhibitions.
At that stage, local residents will have the opportunity to view the emerging proposals, ask questions, raise any concerns and help shape the project before any formal planning application is considered.
HCW is committed to a transparent, community-led process. Further updates will be
published as the investigation progresses.
Community Fund news
In the meantime, we will be awarding the next 3-year grant from the community fund in late
2026 – we’ve been delighted with the level of interest. Previous grantees have been Perth
College and Healthiest Town Aberfeldy.