EXPANSION plans are in the pipeline for the UK’s second biggest onshore wind farm, it has emerged.

The Crystal Rig wind farm is located on the Lammermuir Hills, located approximately 11km south of Dunbar in East Lothian and 16.5km north-west of Duns in the Borders.

Natural Power Consultants Limited, on behalf of wind farm operators Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited, has just submitted an application under the Electricity Act 1989 for Scottish Ministers’ consent to construct and operate the Crystal Rig Solar electricity generating station on land approximately 13 kilometres (km) south of Dunbar. 

The work would involve the creation of a photo voltaic array providing 27MW of generating capacity from solar panels.

The application has now appeared on Scottish Borders Council’s planning portal and the local authority has until November 1 to submit its views on the bid.

Crystal Rig Wind Farm first commenced operation in 2003 and at the time consisted of 25 turbines.

By 2025 it will consist of 102 turbines and will generate over 260 MW of clean, green electricity – capable of powering 200,000 homes.

The proposed new development would provide up to 27MW of generating capacity from solar panels and is to be subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

An EIA report has been produced and will be taken into consideration in determining the application.

When phase one of Crystal Rig was completed in May 2004 it was the largest wind farm in Scotland.

As a result of three extensions it is currently the second largest wind farm in the UK, in terms of nameplate capacity and one of the top five largest in the number of turbines.