Welcome to Corr Chnoc Wind Farm

The purpose of this website is to provide easy access to the latest information on Corr Chnoc Wind Farm, providing information on how you can get involved and share your views. 

Galileo is proposing a development of 12 wind turbines and battery energy storage, located on land at Dunach Estate.

Situated approximately 2km northeast of Kilmore and 5km east of the centre of Oban, Corr Chnoc Wind Farm will have a total generating capacity of 86.4 megawatts (MW).

This will be supported by a battery energy storage system (BESS), with a capacity of up to 25MW, helping to maximise the efficiency of the proposal and further contribute to energy security. In addition to this, a biodiversity enhancement plan (BEP) is proposed.

At Galileo, we are committed to working with the local community and other key stakeholders to responsibly develop renewable energy projects that help to deliver Scottish climate change targets and ensure a green and sustainable future for generations to come.

The Corr Chnoc Wind Farm and BESS development will make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of our electricity system, supporting a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as well as delivering significant benefits to local communities.

The £114 million development includes the delivery of a Community Wealth Fund (CWF) of approximately £21.6 million, inclusive of reductions in electricity bills for those properties closest to the wind farm (subject to further consultation), as well as the delivery of local employment and business opportunities.

Tackling the Climate Emergency

“Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. Our greatest threat in thousands of years, climate change.”

Sir David Attenborough

The proposal for Corr Chnoc Wind Farm is set against the backdrop of the climate emergency and the need to transition to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from polluting fossil fuels.

It is no exaggeration to say that man-made climate change is the defining crisis of our time, and it is happening even more quickly than we feared, with major global impacts.

No part of the world is immune from the devastating consequences, and the UK is no exception. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), 2024 was the warmest year on record, marked by record-breaking rainfall,  deadly heat and raging wildfires, with the past ten years also being the warmest on record.

Corr Chnoc Wind Farm will play its part in tackling this overall challenge, supporting the UK Government’s pursuit of a clean power system by 2030, and delivery of the Scottish Government’s ambitious legally-binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. It will power the equivalent of approximately 78,444 homes annually with clean, low-carbon electricity.

Displacing polluting fossil fuels, the dominant cause of global warming, Corr Chnoc Wind Farm will save approximately 112,640 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, when compared to using an equivalent amount of electricity generated by fossil fuels. This is equivalent to taking 80,808 cars off the road.

Greater Energy Security and Lowering Electricity Bills

International events, such as the war in Ukraine, have also focused people’s minds on the risks of overreliance on imported fossil fuels, with the rising cost of gas driving the huge increase in energy bills, a key cause of the cost-of-living crisis.

The growth of secure homegrown renewable energy will help to deliver greater energy security, insulating Scotland and the rest of the UK from future price shocks.

With onshore wind being one of the cheapest sources of new electricity generation in the UK, this has the potential to deliver lower and more stable electricity bills for consumers.

Turbine Location Plan

Project Proposal

The proposed development site, which comprises a mix of agricultural land and small sections of commercial planting, benefits from an excellent wind resource and has no landscape, ecological or cultural designations that restrict its scope for accommodating a wind farm.

Comprising 12 wind turbines, with a blade tip height of up to 200m, Corr Chnoc Wind Farm is proposed to have a generating capacity of 86.4MW. Turbine technology has advanced considerably in recent years, meaning that turbines are now taller and more efficient, which enables them to generate a significantly greater amount of renewable electricity per turbine.

In addition to supporting Scotland’s just transition to a low-carbon future, Corr Chnoc Wind Farm will provide long-term economic and social benefits. These include providing funding to support local initiatives, as well as providing construction and operational employment opportunities.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

It is proposed that a battery energy storage system (BESS), with a capacity of up to 25MW, will be co-located with the wind farm.

This advanced technology plays a crucial role in tackling the climate emergency, allowing renewable electricity, the generation of which is intermittent in nature, to be made available when the wind for example is not blowing.

Comprising rechargeable batteries, this facility stores surplus renewable electricity from the wind farm at times of high generation and low demand, which is then released into the electricity grid at times of high demand.

A BESS will therefore provide a more reliable supply of energy to users, helping to balance the grid.

Biodiversity Enhancement Plan (BEP)

In addressing climate change, renewable energy is positive for the environment. Developments also often enhance habitats and surrounding areas over the lifetime of a project, whilst supporting the delivery of aligned targets for nature and biodiversity.

A biodiversity enhancement plan (BEP) is proposed for Corr Chnoc Wind Farm, which will see greater management of species-rich grasslands/upper meadowland, providing resources for pollinators, including rare butterfly species. In addition, broadleaf tree planting along watercourses and bracken control would deliver further biodiversity benefits, supporting species such as the otter and black grouse.

A network of new and upgraded tracks created through the wind farm site will be accessible to walkers and cyclists, providing recreation opportunities.

Section 36 Application

As the total generating capacity of Corr Chnoc Wind Farm exceeds 50MW, an application for consent has been made to the Scottish Ministers for determination under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.

This was submitted in January 2025, and comprises 12 wind turbines, a BESS and associated infrastructure. The application is administered by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) – Reference: ECU00006023. Argyll and Bute Council will be a key consultee as the host planning authority.

Application Documents – ECU Reference: 00006023

Volume 2 – Figures

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Volume 3 – Landscape and Visual Visualisations

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Volume 4 – Technical Appendices

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Facts and Figures

Location

The site is located approximately:

  • 2km northeast of Kilmore
  • 5km southwest of Taynuilt
  • 5km east of the centre of Oban

Specification

  • 12 wind turbines
  • Blade tip height of up to 200m
  • Generating capacity of 86.4MW
  • Wind farm lifetime of 50 years
  • BESS with a capacity of up to 25MW

Why Corr Chnoc?

  • Excellent wind speed
  • No environmental designations within the proposed development area
  • Power the equivalent of approximately 78,444 homes annually
  • Save approximately 112,640 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually
  • Long-term local economic and social benefits, including a Community Wealth Fund of approximately £21.6 million

Community Engagement

At Galileo, we strongly believe in the need for early engagement regarding our projects and promise to consult and listen carefully to views on the proposals for Corr Chnoc Wind Farm, making changes where possible.

As part of this process, we believe in meaningful and effective Pre-Application Consultation (PAC), engaging extensively with the local community and other key stakeholders, in advance of the submission of a Section 36 application to the Scottish Ministers. This includes local residents, businesses, community councils, other community organisations and councillors.

The purpose of the PAC process is to:

  • Explain the proposal – number of turbines, size, scale and location.
  • Take account of the views and comments of all stakeholders in developing and refining the proposals, including the number of turbines and layout of the wind farm.
  • Set out the potential economic and community benefits of the proposed development.
  • Discuss the concerns that members of the community may have and provide answers to their questions.

We originally met with local community councils, as well as a number of the properties closest to the wind turbines, in advance of the submission of a request for a Scoping Opinion to the Scottish Ministers via the ECU in June 2023 (ECU reference: 00004832). This was for a scheme of up to 18 turbines.

A request for a Scoping Opinion seeks to obtain from the Scottish Ministers the scope and detail of information that needs to be provided in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report that will accompany the Section 36 application. The purpose of the EIA is to assess the likely significant environmental effects arising from the proposed development.

In response to the Scoping Opinion received from the Scottish Ministers in September 2023, and following feedback from the local community and statutory consultees, we reduced the number of wind turbines from 18 to 15, which we consulted the public on in October 2023.

Given further feedback from the local community and statutory consultees, and having received additional survey feedback, we took the decision to proceed with a 12-turbine wind farm (total generating capacity of around 75MW).

May 2024 consultation event – Taynuilt Village Hall

Public Consultation Events

As part of our PAC process, we held two sets of public consultation events in the local area in October 2023 and May 2024, helping us to inform our proposals for Corr Chnoc Wind Farm.

It was very encouraging to see so much engagement with the project, and we are extremely grateful for the time everyone took to get involved.

The purpose of the first event in October 2023 was to enable people to learn more about the project, discuss the proposals with our project team and provide feedback. The second public consultation event in May 2024 presented feedback from the first event, how this was responded to, and provided updated details on the proposals.

A range of information was made available at these events, including presenting the updated project design and layout, as well as wirelines and photomontages, which gave an impression of what the site could look like from different viewpoints in the area.

In addition to this, information on how the local community will benefit from the project was outlined.

The consultation materials, including the boards and newsletters promoting these are outlined below:

Newspaper Application Notification (January 2025)
event 2 - CONSULTATION BOARDS- May 2024 (PDF) Consultation Wirelines and Photomontages – May 2024 (PDF) Newsletter - May 2024 (PDF) Newsletter - November 2023 (PDF) EVENT 1 - CONSULTATION BOARDS - OCTOBER 2023 (PDF) CONSULTATION WIRELINES AND PHOTOMONTAGES - OCTOBER 2023 (PDF) Newsletter - October 2023 (PDF)

It was noted that any comments received are not representations to the Scottish Ministers, and there will be an opportunity to provide comments on the application.

Any written consultation feedback submitted to Galileo was considered by the project team as the proposals were developed and refined.

Next Steps

An application for consent for Corr Chnoc Wind |Farm was submitted to the Scottish Ministers in January 2025, for determination under Section 36 of the Electricity Act – Reference: ECU00006023. This is administered by ECU.

The application is accompanied by a variety of documents, including an EIA report, which outlines the technical and environmental studies and surveys undertaken. It also highlights how our design has evolved to reflect this, and the ways in which any remaining impacts could best be managed.

In addition to this, a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) report outlines what public consultation has taken place in relation to the proposals, and how any feedback was taken on board in the application, addressing any comments that could not be accommodated.

Indicative Timeline

  1. 2022-2024

  2. Submitted June 2023 (18 turbines).
    Opinion received.

    Click here | September 2023

  3. October 2023 (15 turbines) and May 2024 (12 turbines)

  4. January 2025

  5. 2026

  6. 2030


  7. 2032

Galileo’s Community Offering

Galileo is committed to developing projects that deliver tangible and long-lasting benefits for the local area, fostering strong community relations.

It is vital that local communities share in the significant economic and social benefits which will be delivered as we develop Corr Chnoc Wind Farm.

If consented, significant funding will be distributed to local communities over the lifetime of the wind farm through our Community Wealth Fund and Construction Community Fund, with an opportunity for community shared ownership also on offer.

These are voluntary schemes that are separate from the planning process and have the potential to deliver considerable long-term benefits.

Community Wealth Fund (CWF)

Corr Chnoc Wind Farm will provide a real opportunity to build and contribute to a lasting and sustainable Community Wealth Fund (CWF), benefitting local communities over the lifetime of the wind farm and beyond.

Through our CWF we adhere to the Scottish Government Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits. These principles offer a guaranteed funding package worth £5,000 per MW of the wind farm’s installed capacity annually. This figure is index-linked, so will rise in line with inflation.

Galileo is committed to exploring with local groups and organisations as to how such a fund, worth approximately £432,000 per annum (2024 prices) over the expected 50-year operational life of the wind farm, based on a total generating capacity of 86.4MW, can best be distributed.

Over the wind farm’s operational life, this would equate to a total benefit of approximately £21.6 million distributed to local communities. The real sum will be greater as the community benefit, as highlighted, is index-linked to inflation.

We actively encouraged input from local communities concerning the types of projects and initiatives they would like to see benefit from the CWF, and have had many great suggestions.

Some of these, which we are looking to progress further, are highlighted below:

  • Renewable Electricity Discount Scheme (REDS)

It was clear from the public consultation events and meetings with community councils, local organisations, businesses and individuals, that there is an interest in electricity discounts arising from the wind farm development.

The Corr Chnoc Renewable Electricity Discount Scheme (REDS) will provide a direct and tangible benefit to people living and working nearest to the wind farm, and be open to all residential, commercial and community properties.

A preliminary suggestion is that discounts on electricity bills range from £1,000 per annum for those properties located within 2km of the nearest wind turbine, £800 for those between 2km and 3km, and £600 for those between 3km and 4km (see map link below). These payments will be index-linked for the operational life of the wind farm, meaning that they will rise with inflation.

To achieve this, we are collaborating with an innovative utility provider to form a partnership to implement the REDS scheme.

REDS MAP (PDF)
  • Community Projects

The CWF provides opportunities to support local community groups, village halls and venues, as well as to improve transport services. There is also the potential to fund environmental projects, including rewilding and creating footpaths and cycle trails.

  • Fuel Poverty Fund

Funds could be distributed via ALIenergy (Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Energy Agency) to those suffering from fuel poverty in the wider area. ALIenergy is a charity based in Oban, which works locally to promote sustainable energy use and renewable energy generation, serving to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.

  • Education and Training Fund

Galileo could set up a wind farm bursary scheme to encourage local students who want to extend their education but may not have the means to do so. Working with local schools, further and higher education providers, and Skills Development Scotland, this would support aspiring learners and those wanting to enter Modern Apprenticeships or develop land-based skills.

Community Shared Ownership

In addition to the CWF, local communities surrounding Corr Chnoc Wind Farm will be offered the opportunity to take up to 10 per cent shared ownership of it. The profits generated by any ownership stake can be used to benefit them through supporting local ambitions.

By participating in shared ownership of a renewable energy project, communities can share in a range of benefits, including developing a sustainable income stream over which they have control, creating strong partnerships, and building resilience in their local area.

In addition to establishing a working relationship with ALIenergy, Galileo also has a long-term working relationship with Local Energy Scotland (LES). LES is funded by the Scottish Government to help community groups become involved in renewables, and is its adviser on shared ownership, assisting in providing professional advice and support to communities.

We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ALIenergy on seeking to deliver a financial vehicle that will allow local communities to gain shared ownership of the wind farm.

The MoU will support ALIenergy to spearhead the establishment of a community financial vehicle (the Shared Ownership Vehicle), capable of investing in the wind farm and giving the community the opportunity to take an up to 10 per cent stake in it.

In addition to this, Galileo is supporting ALIenergy in applying to the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), delivering the funding necessary to deliver the financial and legal expertise to support the delivery of a Shared Ownership Vehicle.

The Galileo team is extremely well-placed in this particular area, having been directly involved in successfully delivering community shared ownership elsewhere in Scotland.

Construction Community Fund

A Construction Community Fund will be made available to local groups and organisations, from the start of construction until the wind farm commences operating. Totalling approximately £100,000, this will aim to help offset any inconvenience caused during the construction period.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by Galileo with a number of community councils, including Kilmore and Kilbride which is hosting Corr Chnoc Wind Farm, and Taynuilt.

The MoU demonstrates a commitment by Galileo to enter into a formal agreement for the provision of Community Wealth payments, including the delivery of a Renewable Electricity Discount Scheme (REDS). In addition, the MoU includes the proposed Construction Community Fund, and shared ownership offering.

Opportunities for Local Businesses and Suppliers

In addition to the community benefits already highlighted, some of the most direct and meaningful benefits that can be delivered from a wind farm proposal like Corr Chnoc are jobs and employment for local businesses and contractors, as well as the use of local services and amenities.

This can generate a significant amount of inward investment in the area.

Galileo is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably practicable, local employees and contractors are used in all aspects of wind farm development.

These opportunities include:

  • Construction, fencing, drainage and forestry contractors
  • Electrical contractors
  • Materials suppliers, such as building merchants
  • Plant hire and security
  • Waste management and fuel providers
  • Local hospitality providers, such as B&Bs

Galileo is keen to hear from local businesses that may be able to offer skills and services to Corr Chnoc Wind Farm. We are working with Bid4Oban (Oban Business Improvement District), as well as a number of local organisations, and will work to maximise awareness of the opportunities available in the local supply chain.

If you are a local business and would like to know more about these, please contact us via our feedback form below or email us at corrchnoc@galileoenergy.uk.

Socio-Economic Benefits

Click image to enlarge.

Ross Jamison

Project Manager

About Galileo

Galileo is a fast-growing pan-European renewable energy developer, owner and operator, with a mission to significantly contribute to achieving global emission reduction targets.

We aim to do this by developing enough smart efficient, high-quality and integrated green energy projects so that renewable energy becomes the primary source of electricity for all energy consumers in Europe.

Founded in 2020, Galileo currently has a project development portfolio of over 7000 MW across multiple European countries, including the UK, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Poland.

Our senior management team is made up of leading energy and investment experts who bring decades of international experience across more than 30 markets.

Galileo’s funders are long-term infrastructure and pension funds with a global footprint, an international mindset and a collaborative mentality.

For further information on Galileo and our UK projects, please visit galileoempower.uk.

Further Information

To discuss the Corr Chnoc Wind Farm project in more detail, please contact:

Ross Jamison
Project Manager, Galileo

Email: corrchnoc@galileoempower.uk

Telephone: 0131 202 3259

Address: Galileo, 7-9 N St David Street, Edinburgh EH2 1AW