The Community owned wind farm beat its 2015 record last year, exporting over 44.5 GWh, thanks to near perfect wind conditions and excellent reliability of the generation plant and electrical network. The locally owned project has been amongst the top performing wind farms in the UK since production started in 2013. The UK average “Capacity Factor” for onshore wind was just over 27% in 2017, Allt Dearg managed 52% Capacity, making it the best performing large wind farm on the UK mainland ( the Orkney Islands enjoy higher wind speeds) . Allt Dearg’s average Capacity over the last five years has been 49%, significantly better than the national average capacity factors for both off-shore wind and hydroelectricity.
James Lithgow of Ormsary said: “We are very fortunate to have an excellent site and very energy rich local climatic conditions, the wind turbines turn this opportunity into energy and income in a part of the country otherwise short of economic engines. With wind energy production in Argyll now worth around £70 million per annum, the wind industry is a key employer and wealth creator, as well as a significant “Rates” payer. It is disappointing that Argyll & Bute Council policy remains largely hostile to the development of efficient and productive onshore wind developments, given the excellent opportunity Argyll has to grow the industry to help address the socio-economic challenges we face in rural Argyll, whilst also reducing the emissions that fuel climate change”.