Overview
Crystal Rig 2 is a 138 MW onshore wind farm in the United Kingdom, operated by Fred Olsen Renewables. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Crystal Rig 2 is an operational onshore wind farm located in the United Kingdom, developed and owned by Fred Olsen Renewables. With a capacity of 138 megawatts, it ranks as a medium-to-large scale wind installation within the UK's renewable energy portfolio. The facility is part of the broader Crystal Rig wind farm complex, situated in the Scottish Borders region. The UK's renewable energy sector is supported by the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity generation. Onshore wind farms like Crystal Rig 2 benefit from this framework, which has driven significant capacity additions across the country. The facility utilizes modern wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity, feeding into the national grid. Crystal Rig 2 plays a role in the UK's transition to net-zero emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Its location in a windy upland area optimizes energy production, while the site's environmental management includes measures to minimize impacts on local bird populations and habitats. The facility contributes to regional renewable energy targets and grid stability.
Environmental context
The Scottish Borders region features upland terrain with strong wind resources, ideal for wind energy generation. Onshore wind farms like Crystal Rig 2 can affect local bird and bat populations through collision risks, and may alter landscape views. However, proper siting and mitigation measures help reduce these impacts. The facility supports the UK's goal of decarbonizing electricity generation.
Frequently asked questions
Crystal Rig 2 is located in the Scottish Borders region of the United Kingdom, near the town of Dunbar.
Crystal Rig 2 has a capacity of 138 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large onshore wind farm in the UK.
Crystal Rig 2 is owned and operated by Fred Olsen Renewables, a renewable energy company active in the UK.
The UK supports onshore wind through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which guarantees a fixed price for electricity generated, encouraging investment in renewable energy.
Onshore wind farms like Crystal Rig 2 must address impacts on bird and bat populations, visual landscape effects, and noise. Mitigation measures include careful siting, turbine curtailment during migration, and habitat management.