The operators of Inverclyde Windfarm, in the countryside near Greenock, have applied to double its lifespan.
It is now proposed that the eight-turbine facility operate for 50 years instead of 25.
The windfarm, beside Corlic Hill, became fully operational in late 2020. It has a total capacity of 24 megawatts and displaces more than 18,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
An application for permission to extend the facility’s lifespan has been submitted to Inverclyde Council planners.
A supporting statement explains: “Wind turbine technology continues to evolve and the understanding of site conditions and turbine condition and performance monitoring has grown since the planning permission for the development was obtained in 2016.
“It is now considered that it is reasonable to expect that the development will have a viable operational lifespan of up to 50 years.
“The application presents a real opportunity… to allow the development to produce renewable electricity and contribute to climate change mitigation and related renewable energy targets for as long as is possible.”
Community benefit funding would continue during the extra operational time, with Inverclyde Community Fund the current benefactors of the funding which is then redistributed to local causes.
Developer BayWa sold the windfarm to James Jones & Sons Ltd and London-based specialist asset manager, Gresham House Asset Management.
This article appeared in Inverclyde Now.