Force 9 Energy, a UK-based wind-farm developer, has submitted a planning application to the Scottish government for the proposed 48-turbine Clash Gour Wind Farm (in the name Clash Gour Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary company of EDF Renewables (EDFR), with which Force 9 has a joint development agreement).

The wind farm will be located about 10km south of Forres and will be centred on the operational Berry Burn Wind Farm. As the proposed wind farm will have an installed capacity greater than 50MW, the application will be determined by the Scottish government’s Energy Consents Unit (under the Electricity Act 1989).

Andrew Smith, head of planning and development at Force 9 (www.force9energy.com), said: “I would like to thank members of the Community Liaison Group and all those who have taken time over the last two years to provide feedback, which has played an important part in shaping the final application.

"We believe that it strikes the right balance by minimising and mitigating the environmental effects of the development, while at the same time maximising the energy-generating potential and economic opportunity for Moray.”

The project is expected to bring significant economic opportunities for Moray, including: £26.7 million gross value added to the Moray economy; 391 jobs during the three-year construction period; 14-19 net full-time-equivalent jobs during operational life of the wind farm; an opportunity for communities to invest in the wind farm and share in its profits; and up to £1.125 million equivalent of community benefit every year of the 30-year operational life of the wind farm for communities to re-invest in the local area.