Proposals for a multi-million-pound windfarm in east Perthshire are to be the subject of a series of public consultations this month.
ABO Wind UK plans to build up to 11 turbines on the Green Burn site at Shieldrum Farm, near Alyth.
The turbines would have a hub height of up to 80m and an overall tip height of up to 126.5m.
The energy firm carried out a scoping report after stating initially that it would build 14 turbines at the site, which is around 600m from a windfarm at Drumderg.
Yesterday Lucy Forte, ABO Wind UK development project manager, said the company hoped to lodge the planning application this summer after analysing feedback from the public exhibitions.
These will take place in Blairgowrie, Alyth, Kirkmichael and Bridge of Cally.
“The exhibitions are part of an ongoing consultation process with the local communities and other interested parties, which will continue up to the submission of a plan to Perth and Kinross Council,” said Ms Forte.
“If we get planning consent, construction is expected to take around 12 months to complete.”
She continued: “This would represent a significant investment in the local economy by ABO Wind UK.
“During the construction phase there could be a wide range of sub-contract opportunities for specialists in plant hire, civil engineering, cabling, fencing, building works, road building and quarrying.
“ABO Wind UK intends to maximise the use of local labour sources and suppliers.
“Local businesses could also benefit from increased spending from the construction workforce during the construction period.”
Ms Forte said that up to 11 turbines each capable of generating up to three megawatts (MW) of power could produce enough electricity for 17,533 homes.
She said the location was chosen due to the good wind resource at the site.
“ABO Wind UK is hoping for a good turnout to the exhibitions,” she added.
“The company has also established a community liaison forum and this group has met and will continue to meet regularly throughout the consultation process.
“The feedback gained will help shape ABO Wind UK’s formal application.”
The public exhibitions begin on Wednesday February 25 at Alyth Bowling Club from 2pm-8pm.
The following day will see exhibitions at Kirkmichael and Bridge of Cally.
Then on Friday February 27 the final exhibition will be at Blairgowrie Town Hall.
Over the coming years, ABO Wind UK intends to invest £390 million into projects across Scotland.
The company was established in 2006 but its larger international operation, ABO Wind, has been running since 1996, with offices in Finland, Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
For more information on the Green Burn windfarm proposal and details of the public exhibitions visit www.greenburnwindfarm.co.uk.