ScottishPower Renewables has submitted an application for an extension at Harestanes Windfarm.

The firm has lodged plans for a seven-turbine extension to the farm in the Forest of Ae, near Dumfries.

As part of the original site, ScottishPower Renewables has completed the construction of 68 turbines and achieved the first electricity generation at the end of September 2013, three months ahead of schedule.

The planning application has been revealed as 18 students at the nearby Dumfries and Galloway College recently started a new course which is supported by the company and allows participants to gain industry-recognised qualifications and help them to become wind turbine technicians.

For more than two years, ScottishPower Renewables has been part of a working group seeking to develop an industry recognised Wind Turbine Technician training course in both Dumfries and Galloway and Ayr colleges. A similar course was launched in Ayr College earlier this year.

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Commenting, Simon Christian, UK Managing Director at ScottishPower Renewables, said: "The renewable energy industry in Scotland continually needs qualified technicians who can help to maintain wind turbines. We have been working hard to ensure that colleges can offer courses that deliver exactly what the industry needs in terms of skills, which in turn helps participants get employed in the industry on completing their course.

"We are delighted to help both Dumfries and Galloway College and Ayr College develop their Turbine Technician course plans. The South West of Scotland is a key area of investment for ScottishPower Renewables.

"We have already developed a number of major windfarm projects in the area, such as the Harestanes development, and we anticipate that our future projects in the area will need many more technicians and engineers in the years ahead.

"The significant investment that is happening in renewable energy ensures that opportunities for employment and skills development in the sector is set to keep increasing, and we want to help local communities makes the most of these employment opportunities."

Carol Turnbull, Principal at Dumfries and Galloway College added: "Dumfries and Galloway College is delighted to be working in partnership to deliver an industry recognised qualification to learners in the south west of Scotland and Ayrshire to meet growing employer demand.

"It is an excellent example of what can be achieved when industry, colleges and sector representatives work together."

(JP/IT)