THE latest plans for the proposed re-powering of Kirkby Moor wind farm in Furness have been revealed.

The existing wind farm, built in 1993, was one of the first generation of wind turbines in the UK. Just 4km from Ulverston, it consists of 12 turbines.

Now, operator RWE Innogy UK is proposing to upgrade the turbines to provide "a more productive" wind farm.

The company says it has listened to local feedback and "taken on board" results of studies and is proposing a revised project of six turbines.

Due to improvements in wind turbine efficiency however, the proposed “re-plant” could still generate more energy. The proposed installed capacity is between 12MW and 18MW. That is enough electricity to power between an estimated 9,600 and 12,600 average UK homes.

Chris Gainey, RWE Innogy Developer, said: “We already know that Kirkby Moor is a good site to locate a wind farm. Modern technology has moved on significantly since the existing turbines were installed and the project we are proposing would make use of new and more productive technologies while increasing the amount of renewable energy it could generate.”

This increase in capacity would also mean an increase in the community funding which would mean a windfall of between £1.2 million and £1.8 million across the lifetime of the project, subject to the final installed capacity of the project. It is likely that this would be delivered through annual payments of £60,000 to £90,000 each year the wind farm operates, these would become available when the project becomes is fully operational and index linked in line with inflation.

RWE Innogy UK is now finalising its plans with a view to submitting a formal planning application to South Lakeland District Council towards the end of this year.

Updates will continue to be provided as the application progresses. For more information about the wind farm visit: www.rweinnogy.com/kirkbymoorreplant