Who are we? Robin Rigg Wind Farm, Solway Firth. For illustrative purposes only.

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1 Who are we? We re one of the world s largest power and gas companies. Here in the UK, we supply energy to more than 5 million customers, generate enough electricity for around 8 million homes and employ 12,000 people. E.ON Climate & Renewables was set up in 2007 as a global business that s responsible for developing, constructing and operating all our renewable energy projects. We re helping to shape the energy industry of tomorrow and create secure, sustainable energy supplies for future generations. In the UK, we re focusing on developing onshore and offshore wind, biomass and marine energy technologies. At the moment, we own and operate 18 onshore wind farms and 3 offshore wind farms. Together, these have an installed capacity of more than 400 megawatts (MW). Robin Rigg Wind Farm, Solway Firth. For illustrative purposes only.

2 The UK s energy gap Over the next 20 years, many of our older coal and oil-fired power stations will need to close, either for environmental reasons or because they ll reach the end of their operational lives. These power stations need to be replaced so we can keep up with the growing demand for energy. With a diverse mix of low carbon technologies, we can help secure an affordable, reliable energy future for our customers, without polluting the environment. Why we need wind energy The UK is one of Europe s windiest countries, so we re well-placed to make the most of the potential that onshore and offshore power offers. We understand that wind energy isn t the only answer to our energy needs, which is why we need a mix of energy sources that help to keep the lights on. We re expecting onshore wind to play a major role in helping Scotland achieve its target of producing 100% of its energy from renewable sources by We re pleased to support this ambition and are committed to developing a portfolio of wind farm developments in Scotland, to help achieve a low carbon future.

3 How an onshore wind farm works 1 The wind blows against the turbine blades, making them turn. 2 The blades turn a shaft inside the nacelle. 3 The shaft goes into a gearbox which increases the rotation speed. 4 The generator uses magnetic fields to convert the rotational energy into electrical energy. 5 The electrical output from the generator goes into a transformer. This converts the low voltage into a high voltage suitable for transmission over the National Grid network. 6 Here the high voltage is converted back into a low voltage, suitable for transmission over the local network. 7 The electricity is then distributed to people s homes, businesses and industry

4 What we re currently proposing We re now in the early stages of carrying out surveys and other research to find out if it s possible to build a wind farm around 5km south of the village of Moniaive in Dumfries and Galloway. We ve named the project Loch Urr Wind Farm, after the loch located at the centre of the site. At the moment, we believe the site could accommodate up to 50 wind turbines, so has the potential for an installed capacity of between megawatts (MW), depending on the capacity of the turbine model we select. A modern wind turbine is able to produce electricity around 80% of the time, all year round. It will generate different amounts of energy at different times, depending on the wind speed. As the proposed wind farm could have an installed capacity of up to 150MW, we estimate in a typical year the scheme could generate enough electricity for the domestic needs of the equivalent of around 95,000 households*. *According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the average domestic household uses 4,700kWh of electricity annually. Tynron B729 Craigdarroch Moniaive A702 B7000 Dunscore Loch Urr A702 Blackcraig Hill A762 St John s Town of Dalry Balmaclellan A712 A762 A713 Corsock Key Loch Urr Wind Farm site boundary Map not to scale, for illustrative purposes only.

5 Identifying a suitable location We choose our wind farm sites very carefully. Before creating a proposal, we always take detailed advice from specialists and independent experts. Only certain areas of the UK have the right conditions for developing a wind farm, so some locations are more suitable than others. We chose the Loch Urr Wind Farm site after our initial studies showed that the area s wind resources, road access and connections to the national electricity network are all suitable for us to build a wind farm here. The site s geographical layout also means the project s visual impact will be minimised. Designing a wind farm When we design a wind farm, we look at its potential impact on the local area s landscape, visual appearance, noise levels, ecology, ornithology and hydrology (water). We aim to minimise these impacts whilst making improvements to the area s landscape, environment and wildlife habitats where we can. We also want to place the wind turbines in the best locations at the site so they can generate as much renewable energy as possible. At the proposed site for the Loch Urr Wind Farm, we ve identified several key constraints, shown on the plan below. These constraints will influence where we can place the turbines within the site boundary. Red Cottage Two-Marland Mill Fairbank Gateside Auchencheyne Cottage Cragneston Unamed 1 Kilnhouse Auchenchyne Hotel Shankfoot Castlefairn Craigmuie Loch Urr Shillingland Craigenvey Waterhead Castramon Nether Craigenputtock Lettrick Key Loch Urr Wind Farm site boundary Monybuie House Craigenputtock 50m buffer from water courses Property Monybuie Farm Ministry of Defence flying corridor (with 500m buffer) Rough Island Crannog (scheduled monument) Drumwhirn Map not to scale, for illustrative purposes only.

6 Next steps We ll use the constraints we ve identified to influence our initial designs for the Loch Urr Wind Farm. A Community Liaison Group will be established, made up of representatives from community councils, clubs and associations, and interest groups within a 15km radius of the site boundary. We aim to hold regular meetings and provide two-way communications on the site s progress and deal with any issues people raise. When we have a more detailed site layout, we ll hold formal public consultation in Summer We ll continue with the Environmental Impact Assessment, which will form part of our planning application in early Bowbeat Wind Farm, Moorfoot Hills, Scottish Borders. For illustrative purposes only.

7 Site access We ve identified a potential access route for our construction vehicles and for bringing the wind turbines to the site, which can be difficult due to their size. We ve shown the possible route on the map below. We propose to ship the wind turbines into Ayr Harbour and then transport them by road along the A713, passing through Patna, Dalmellington, Carsphairn, Dalry and Balmaclellan. Where we can, we ll use local companies with experience of transporting turbine components. Later in the consultation process, you ll be able to give us your feedback and comments on our plans for delivering the turbines and dealing with the impact of extra construction vehicles on local roads. We ll invite you to comment on topics such as the timing of turbine deliveries and speed restrictions on HGV traffic near the wind farm site Ayr Harbour Project: Annbank Proposed Wind Farm Loch Urr Auchinleck Ayr Cumnock Title: Proposed Access Ro from Ayr Drongan Key Dalrymple Site Boundary New Cumnock Maybole Proposed Access Route Kirkconnel Patna Dalmellington Bellsbank Carsphairn Forest Notes: a) Information on this map is directly reproduced from digital and o from different sources. Minor discrepancies may therefore occur. clarification is considered necessary, this is noted through the use on the map itself. b) For the avoidance of doubt and unless otherwise stated: 1. where a line recorded in the key demarcates a boundary on t boundary edge is the outside edge of the line. 2. where a line or feature recorded in the key of this plan is also line or feature by the Ordnance Survey, and that line or featu a different position on the ground than shown by the Ordnan then the line or feature shall be deemed to follow the positio the ground. 3. this plan should be used for identification purposes only, unle stated above or in accompanying documentation. Carsphairn Approximate A3: 1:175,00 Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf HMSO. Crown copyright & database right All righ reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number AL Loch Urr Glentrool Forest Loch Urr Wind Farm site boundary Turbine route Balmaclellan New Galloway Map not to scale, for illustrative purposes only. Prepared by: LE Drawing No. Revisions: Figure 2 Axis PED Ltd Well House Barns Bretton Chester CH4 0DH Tel: St John s Town of Dalry Corsock 10,000 Date: Feb 2012 Drawing by: Blackcraig Key Bogrie 5000 Chec

8 Environmental impact As part of the planning process, we ll carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This will look at the positive and negative impacts that the wind farm could have on local residents and on the area s natural and built environments. We ll assess these impacts using site surveys and quantitative modelling, as well as any relevant published reference information. Where any negative impacts are identified, we ll propose ways to tackle these by redesigning our development proposal and/or managing the impacts, so they re reduced to an acceptable level. The areas we re assessing as part of the EIA include: landscape and visual effects ecology and ornithology noise potential affects of shadow flicker from turbines electromagnetic interference with telecoms transport aircraft safety and radar hydrology archaeology. We ve appointed a company called AXIS that will undertake all the studies for the EIA. Black Headed Gull Red Kite

9 Project timetable Early 2012 We introduce early plans for the project to the local community and submit a scoping report to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU). Late Summer 2012 We produce a refined design layout and consult again with the local community through formal public exhibitions. Autumn 2012 We prepare an Environmental Statement (ES) The ECU makes a decision to either approve or reject our proposals Spring 2012 We set up the first meeting of the Community Liaison Group (CLG) to provide two-way communications about the proposal during the development period. Summer 2012 We continue to formally consult on our initial design layouts and take comments into consideration where we can. Early 2013 We submit a planning application to the ECU If consent is given, construction starts. Application for consent As the Loch Urr Wind Farm could have an installed capacity of more than 50MW, we need to apply directly to the Scottish Government rather than to Dumfries and Galloway Council for consent to build it. However, we ll still consult with Dumfries and Galloway Council about our plans. They ll play a vital role in the application process by gathering a range of views from the local community and then reporting back to the planning committee. Once we ve made our planning application, anyone with an interest in, or concern about the project, will have the chance to contact Dumfries and Galloway Council or the Scottish Government to comment on our proposals. Stag s Holt Wind Farm, near March, Cambridgeshire. For illustrative purposes only.

10 Community benefits We re keen to play a positive role in your community. That s why we ll be working with residents and community groups in your area to: create a community benefits fund to support community projects throughout the wind farm s operational life set up a Community Liaison Group so we can keep you informed and listen to what you have to say use local labour to build and operate the wind farm, wherever we can. The community benefits fund for the Loch Urr Wind Farm could be worth up to 750,000 a year, with those in community council boundaries within a 15km radius from the site boundary benefitting.this equates to a maximum of 5,000 for each MW installed. At this stage of the development we encourage discussion amongst the community on how the fund could be managed, what projects could benefit and discussion on how the fund could be used to fund legacy projects, eg community assets. Please note that the community benefit fund isn t a planning consideration and it doesn t affect your right to give us your comments and opinions on our planning application. Helping local children understand the importance of energy We re working with Dumfries and Galloway Council to promote environmental sustainability in schools under the Eco-schools Programme. This is focused on energy education and delivered by Liz Gunby, Eco-schools Co-ordinator. To take part in the Eco-schools Programme, please contact Liz by at elizabeth.gunby@dumgal.gov.uk or telephone ext

11 How do I get involved? Your views are important to us. We welcome your comments on the wind farm and on any specific aspects of the project. To give us your feedback, please contact us by freepost, or phone. Loch Urr Wind Farm Freepost RRSE-KZCU-AZJL E.ON Westwood Way Westwood Business Park Coventry CV4 8LG lochurr@eon-uk.com Freephone We re here from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Updates on the proposal are also available on our website at: eon-uk.com/lochurr

12 Understanding your community We know people living and working locally will have a wealth of knowledge about the site and the local area, and we d like you to tell us how you think it can be improved. The project development phase is the ideal time for us to include initiatives and ideas, where we can, for environmental and access enhancements in our proposals. As we develop the wind farm, we ll encourage you to contact us with your ideas and comments on areas such as: improving wildlife habitats, flora and fauna, and access to footpaths developing existing community assets or purchasing new ones encouraging training or creating jobs for local people. Building a community profile We ll be holding discussions with Dumfries and Galloway Council, local colleges, businesses and interest groups throughout the development phase. With your input, we can build up a community profile and consult with you about opportunities that could be provided by the Loch Urr Wind Farm and community benefits fund.