St Andrews University seeks partner for Kenly windfarm development

St Andrews University is expected to announce today that it is seeking a development partner to progress its plans for a 12 megawatt windfarm at Kenly, three miles south-east of St Andrews.

The university plans to construct a six-turbine wind cluster, saving 19,000 tonnes of carbon per year and helping towards its goal of becoming the world’s first carbon neutral university.

A development partner is being sought to design the windfarm, plan the grid connections and construct the six turbines.

The university says the construction phase will bring an estimated £22 million boost to the local and national economy.

A key role of the appointed contractor will be to maximise the local share of any economic boom, and the significant knock-on benefits in terms of employment and trade.

Fears were expressed by Fife Council and Scottish Natural Heritage last year, however, that the proposals could ruin the skyline of St Andrews.

Despite efforts by the council to blow out the proposal, planning permission was issued last year by a Scottish Government reporter on appeal.