The site near Dufftown in Moray has been developed by Infinergy and consent for a 59-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 177MW was granted by Scottish Ministers in December 2011. Following improvements in the latest available turbine technology, applications for a redesign of the currently consented project have been submitted to boost to the amount of renewable electricity produced from the site. If successful this would see the wind farm's installed capacity increased to approximately 200MW.
Once built, Dorenell could produce enough electricity for up to 138,000 homes. Grid connection is planned for 2018. Over the coming years, EDF Energy Renewables will continue, with the support of Infinergy, to develop the project and progress its construction as soon as possible.
EDF Energy Chief Executive, Vincent de Rivaz said: "Today's announcement, just weeks before the international conference on climate change in Paris, confirms EDF Energy's commitment to lead in UK investment in low carbon electricity. That means investment in wind and nuclear electricity generation with an increasing focus on the development of Scottish renewables.
"In taking on the development of the largest planned onshore wind project in Scotland, we intend to boost its output using our world-leading research and development expertise. This expertise is dedicated to building a low carbon future in the UK and covers activities from electricity generation to energy efficiency in customers’ homes and workplaces.”
EDF Energy Renewables is a joint venture between EDF Energy and EDF Energies Nouvelles, the renewable arm of the EDF Group.
Antoine Cahuzac, CEO of EDF Energies Nouvelles said: "This deal underlines EDF Energies Nouvelles' continuing ambitions to develop our business in Scotland and our major ambition in renewable energy.
"With around 700 MW of wind projects in construction and operation in the UK as well as a large portfolio in development, EDF Energy Renewables is keen to work with Infinergy to start the building of this great project and progress the planning applications."
Infinergy's Managing Director Esbjorn Wilmar said: "After almost 10 years developing this site and securing planning consent for the existing 177 MW project, our focus now is on bringing new technology through the planning process to make Dorenell the best wind farm it can be, maximising output at the site which will make an extremely important contribution to the renewable energy targets set by the Scottish Government as part of policy to ensure greater diversity and security of electricity supplies."