News that further investment in Lochaber could bring an energy and jobs boost to the area has been welcomed across the Highlands.
GFG Alliance which owns the aluminium smelter in Fort William along with 120,000 acres of estate land, announced yesterday that it proposes to spend £170 million on a windfarm at Glenshero north of Laggan.
The energy generated by the 54-turbine wind project would help to power both the smelter and the planned alloy wheels factory also in Fort William as well as the company’s steel mills in Lanarkshire.
And local residents would benefit from cheaper energy costs.
The company also promised there would be more jobs for the area when it revealed its ideas for a “smarter use” of the estate itself.
These include enhancing the two existing hydro power stations, investing in housing and visitor accommodation, developing high-grade tourist facilities and expanding farming, fishing and forestry across the estate.
A spokesman for the Scottish Council for Development & Industry, SCDI, Highlands and Islands said: “It’s welcome news that GFG Alliance is looking to make the best use from the exceptional natural assets they have in Lochaber.
“This will improve the sustainability of their work and support the growing number of staff they’ll have in the area.”
Kate Forbes MSP added: “I’m pleased that GFG Alliance have said that community and stakeholder involvement is key to the windfarm project.
“I have often said that communities should reap the benefits of windfarm developments in their area and that discounted energy costs for local residents is vital – particularly when we spend disproportionately more per unit than anywhere else in the UK.
“I have welcomed investment in the Fort William area primarily because it creates jobs and opportunities – and I adamantly hope that this new development will do the same.”
The sister company of GFG Alliance, SIMEC Energy, would develop the windfarm which would generate up to 178MW of energy.
The company said it will also discuss its ideas for the huge estate with community groups and local stakeholders. Individual projects involving local residents would also be explored as well as joint ventures or shared ownership.