Project Status
Additional Environmental Information (AEI) supporting the Section 36 planning application for Cloud Hill Wind Farm has been submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.
The site is close to the existing Whiteside Hill Wind Farm, approximately 4.5 km south of Sanquhar, and 4 km south-east of Kirkconnel, in Dumfries and Galloway.
The AEI, submitted in November 2024 addresses design updates and technical clarifications based on feedback from consultees. Key design changes include
- Removal of Turbine 8
- Re-siting Turbine 1
- New location for substation and battery energy storage system (BESS)
This follows the initial application lodged in August 2023.
The formal notice detailing the submission of the application under the Electricity Act 1989 is available here.
As the development exceeds 50 MW, the application will be considered by Scottish Ministers. Representations on the AEI can be made here until 24 December 2024, quoting the application reference ECU00003461.
About the Project
The Cloud Hill Wind Farm proposal initially included 11 turbines with a maximum tip height of 180m. Following the removal of one turbine, the revised application features 10 turbines at the same maximum height.
The wind farm will be co-located with a battery energy storage system (BESS) and will also include substation, control room, access tracks, a temporary construction compound, and a permanent met mast of up to 100 m.
Key Facts
- Turbines: 10 x 5.6 MW turbines;
- Height: 180m from ground to tip;
- Capacity: over 50 MW;
- Electricity generation: Power for approximately 58,000 households*;
- Community investment: Over £9 million over 35 years of operation;
- Environmental considerations: Located out with any environmental designations or protected landscapes, with a Biodiversity Enhancement Plan for local ecology and peatlands
- Grid connection Scheduled for 2028.
Site Location
The site location for the wind farm is shown in the map below.
Design Process
The design of the Cloud Hill Wind Farm has evolved significantly through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping process and extensive consultations with local community councils, residents, and environmental organisations throughout 2022 and 2023.
Initially proposed with 14 turbines, the wind farm’s design was refined to include only 11 based on feedback from these consultations. The remaining turbines were repositioned to minimise visibility and environmental impact. Existing onsite access tracks were used to reduce the project’s footprint further.
Following additional feedback after submitting the original 11-turbine application, we further reduced the number of turbines to 10. Input from Dumfries & Galloway Council, RSPB, and SEPA has been instrumental in shaping this updated layout, aligning it closely with environmental and community priorities.
Key Viewpoints Map
The map below shows before and after images of some key viewpoints associated with the project. A comprehensive library of viewpoints is available in the AEI documents.
Viewpoint Image Gallery
Additional Resources
- Formal Notice (2023)
- Non-Technical Summary (NTS)
- Application Documents (October 2023)
- Planning Statement
- Pre-Application Consultation Report
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 1 - Combined D&G Standard Averts
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 2 - Combined Nithsdale Times Adverts
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 2 - Combined Nithsdale Times
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 3 - Combined KKS News Adverts
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 4 - Combined Online Adverts
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 5 - Posters Combined
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 6 - Leaflet
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 7 - Combined Boards - Round 1 Exhibition LR Part 2
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 7 - Combined Boards - Round 1 Exhibition LR Part 1
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 7 - Combined Boards - Round 1 - Exhibition LR - Part 3
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 8 - Combined Boards - Round 2 Exhibition LR Part 1
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 8 - Combined Boards - Round 2 Exhibition LR Part 2
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 8 - Combined Boards - Round 2 Exhibition LR Part 3
- Pre-Application Consultation Report - Appendix 8 - Combined Boards - Round 2 - Exhibition LR Part 4
- Volume 1 - EIA Report
- Volume 2a - Figures excl. LVIA Cover and Contents
- Volume 2a - Figure 1.1 - Site Location
- Volume 2a - Figure 1.2 - Site Boundary Plan
- Volume 2a - Figure 1.3 - Application Layout
- Volume 2a - Figure 1.3 - Application Layout
- Volume 2a - Figure 3.1 - Constraints Plan
- Volume 2a - Figure 3.2a - Site Design Evolution - Scoping
- Volume 2a - Figure 3.2b - Site Design Evolution - Pre-Chilled
- Volume 2a - Figure 3.2c - Site Design Evolution - Chilled
- Volume 2a - Figure 3.2d - Application Layout
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.1 - Indicative Turbine Elevation
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.2 - Indicative Foundation Design
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.3 - Indicative Crane Hardstanding
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.4 - Indicative Cable Trench Detail
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.5 - Indicative TCC
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.6 - Indicative Substation Compound Layout
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.7 - Indicative Control Building and Elevations
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.8 - Indicative Wind Farm Developers Control Building and Elevations
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.9 - Indicative BESS Design and Elevations
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.10 - Indicative Access Track
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.11 - Indicative Culvert Detail
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.12.1 Indicative Borrow Pit Layout a
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.12.2 - Indicative Borrow Pit Layout b
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.12.3 - Indicative Borrow Pit Layout c
- Volume 2a - Figure 4.13 - Indicative Met Mast Elevations
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.1 - Designated Sites and Ancient Woodlands
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.2 - Carbon Peatland
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.3 - National Vegetation Classifications
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.4 - Potential Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.5 - Protected Species
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.6 - Anabat Locations and Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment Results
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.7 - Bat Common Pipistrelle
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.8 - Bat Soprano Pipistrelle
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.9 - Bat Nyctalus sp.
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.10 - Electrofishing Locations and Survey Results
- Volume 2a - Figure 7.11 - oBEMP
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.1 - Vantage Points and Viewsheds
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.2 - Survey and Study Areas
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.3 - Designated Sites
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.4 - Connectivity Distance Review
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.5 - Black Grouse Lek Locations
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.6 - FA Black Grouse Flight Activity
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.7 - Raptor and Owl Flight Activity
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.8 - Goshawk Flight Activity
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.9 - Hen Harrier Flight Activity
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.10 - FA Merlin
- Volume 2 a - Figure 8.11 - FA Osprey
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.12 - FA Peregrine
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.13 - FA Red Kite
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.14 - Breeding Wader Activity
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.15 - FA Curlew
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.16 - FA Golden Plover
- Volume 2a - Figure 8.17 - FA Pink Footed Goose
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.1 - Site Location and Study Areas
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.2 - Heritage Assets within 1km Study Area
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.3 - Prehistoric Heritage Assets
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.4 - Post-Medieval Heritage Assets
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.5 - Medieval Heritage Assets
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.6 - 1888 OS Map
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.7 - 1937 OS Map
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.8 - Designated Assets within 5km
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.9 Designated Heritage Assets between 5-15km with Cumulatives
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.10 - Designated Heritage Assets between 5-15km North West
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.11 - Designated Heritage Assets between 5-15km North East
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.12 - Designated Heritage Assets between 5-15km South East
- Volume 2a - Figure 9.13 - Designated Heritage Assets between 5-15km South West
- Volume 2a - Figure 10.1 - Bedrock Geology
- Volume 2a - Figure 10.2 - Superficial Soils
- Volume 2a - Figure 10.3 - National Soils Maps of Scotkan
- Volume 2a - Figure 10.4 - Extract from Carbon - Peatland 2016 Map
- Volume 2a - Figure 10.5 - Interpolated Peat Depths
- Volume 2a - Figure 11.1 - Hydrology Study Areas
- Volume 2a - Figure 11.2 - Hydrological Catchments
- Volume 2a - Figure 11.3 - Hydrological Features
- Volume 2a - Figure 11.4 - Watercourse Crossings
- Volume 2a - Figure 11.5 - Groundwater Dependent Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Volume 2a - Figure 12.1 - Cumulative Noise Contour Plot incl. Sanquhar II
- Volume 2a - Figure 12.2 - Cumulative Noise Contour Plot excl. Sanquhar II
- Volume 2a - Figure 12.3 - Noise Contour Plot
- Volume 2a - Figure 13.1 - Abnormal Load Route to Site
- Volume 2a - Figure 13.2 - General Construction Traffic Route to Site
- Volume 2a - Figure 13.3 - Traffic Count Locations
- Volume 2a - Figure 13.4a - RTC Assessment A70 between the A76 and Barr Quarries
- Volume 2a - Figure 13.4b - RTC Assessment A76 - Auckinleck to Sanquhar
- Volume 2a - Figure 13.4c - RTC Assessment A76 - Sanquhar to Barburgh Mill Quarry
- Volume 2a - Figure 13.5 - Indicative Site Access Junction
- Volume 2a - Figure 14.1 - Recreational Routes Map
- Volume 2a - Figure 14.2 - Recreational and Tourist Receptors Map
- Volume 2a - Figure 14.3 - Southern Upland Way within the Site Boundary
- Volume 2a - Figure 16.1 - Shadow Flicker Casting Map
- Volume 2a - Figures excl. LVIA Cover and Contents
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.01 - Study Area
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.02a - Land Character Assessment
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.02b - Land Character Legend
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.03 - Design Wild Landscape Areas
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.04 - Figure 6.04 - Visual Receptors
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.05a - Viewpoints Blade Tip Zone of Theoretical Visibility
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.05b - Viewpoints Blade Tip ZTV 20km
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.06a - Viewpoint Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.06b - Viewpoint Hub Height Zone of Theoretical Visibility 20km
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.07 - Horizontal Angle Blade Tip ZTV and Viewpoints
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.08 - ZTV LCA 20km
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.09a - ZTV Designations
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.09b - ZTV Designations
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.10 - Visual Receptors ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.11 - Composite Map
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.12 - Cumulative Wind Farms
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13a - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13b - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13c - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13d - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13e - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13f - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13g - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13h - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13i - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13j - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.13k - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.14 - Baseline Light Pollution
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.15 - ZTV Turbine Hub Lighting
- Volume 2b - Figure 6.16 - Lighting Intensity
- Volume 2b - LVIA Figures Cover and Contents
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.17a-i - VP 1 A76 Sanquhar Castle
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.18a-f - VP 2 Sanquhar Church Road
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.19a-i - VP 3 Kirconnel
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.20a-j - VP 4 Euchan Water Minor Road
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.12a-g VP 5 Shiel Scar Water Minor Road
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.22a-e VP 6 Mennock
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.23a-e VP 7 Southern Upland Way East of Sanquhar
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.24a-g - VP 8 Polgown Scaur Water Minor Road
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.25a-d - VP 9 Durisdeer
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.26a-g - VP 10 Wauk Hill
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.27a-g - VP 11 Benbrack
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.28a-g - VP 12 Cairnsmore of Carsphairn
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.29a-g - VP 13 Blackcraig
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.30a-g - VP 14 Corsencon Hill
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.31a-f - VP 15 Todholes Hill
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.32a-e - VP 16 Lowther East Mount
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.33a-d - VP 17 Meikle Millylea
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.34a-e - VP 18 Southern Upland Way Coupland Knowe
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.35a-f - VP 19 Southern Upland Way Glengaber Hill
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.36a-g - VP 20 Cairnkinna
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.37a-e - VP 21 Crawick Multiverse
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.38a-g VP 22 Auchengibbert Hill
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.39a-c - VP 23 Colt Hill
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.40a-b - VP 24 Glenwhargen Scaur Water Minor Road
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.41a-b - VP 25 Auchentaggart
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.42a-c - VP 26 Kelloholm
- Volume 2c - Figure 6.43a-c - VP 27 Whing Head
- Volume 2c - Figure 9.14-9.27 - Heritage Visualisations - Part 1
- Volume 2c - Figure 9.14-9.27 - Heritage Visualisations - Part 2
- Volume 3 - Appendix 2.1 - Gatecheck Report
- Volume 3 - Appendix 6.1 - LVIA Methodology
- Volume 3 - Appendix 6.2 - Residential Visual Amenity Assessment
- Volume 3 - Appendix 6.3 - Visual Assessment of Visible Aviation Lighting
- Volume 3 - Appendix 7.1 - National Vegetation Classification - Habitats Survey
- Volume 3 - Appendix 7.2 - Protected Species Survey Report
- Volume 3 - Appendix 7.3 - Bat Activity Analysis
- Volume 3 - Appendix 7.4 - Electrofishing Survey Report
- Volume 3 - Appendix 7.5 - Outline Species Protection Plan
- Volume 3 - Appendix 7.6 - Outline Biodiversity Enhancement Management Plan
- Volume 3 - Appendix 8.1 - Ornithology
- Volume 3 - Appendix 9.1 - Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment - Part 1
- Volume 3 - Appendix 9.1 - Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment - Part 2
- Volume 3 - Appendix 9.2 - Setting Assessment 5km
- Volume 3 - Appendix 9.3 - Setting Sieving Exercise for Designated Assets between 5 and 15km
- Volume 3 - Appendix 9.4 - Setting Assessment 5-15km
- Volume 3 - Appendix 10.1 - Peat Slide Risk Assessment
- Volume 3 - Appendix 10.2 - Outline Peat Management Plan
- Volume 3 - Appendix 10.3 - Preliminary Borrow Pit Assessment ERM
- Volume 3 - Appendix 11.1 - Private Water Supply Risk Assessment
- Volume 3 - Appendix 11.2 - Outline Water Construction Environmental Management Plan
- Volume 3 - Appendix 12.1 - Cumulative Sound Power Levels
- Volume 3 - Appendix 12.2 - Background Noise Survey Record Sheets
- Volume 3 - Appendix 13.1 - Abnormal Load Route Assessment - Part 1
- Volume 3 - Appendix 13.1 - Abnormal Load Route Assessment - Part 2
- Volume 3 - Appendix 13.1 - Abnormal Load Route Assessment - Part 3
- Volume 3 - Appendix 14.1 - Access Management Plan
- Volume 3 - Appendix 14.2 - Assessment Methodology for Socio-economics, Tourism, Recreation, and Land Use
- Volume 3 - Appendix 15.1 - Carbon Calculations
- Volume 3 - Appendix 16.1 - Aviation Screening Assessment
- Volume 3 - EIA Report Technical Appendices Front Cover and ToC
- Volume 4 - EIA Report Non-Technical Summary
- Pre-Application Consultation Report
- Scoping Report
- Business Leaflet (October 2023)
- Additional Environmental Information (AEI) 2024
- Volume 1 - AEI Report
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 1.1 - Site Location Plan - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 1.2 - Revised Development Site Layout
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 3.1 - Site Design Iterations
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.1 - LVIA Study Area
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.2 - LCA
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.2.2-6.2.5 - RVAA Wirelines
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.3 - Landscape Designations and WLA
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.4 - Visual Receptors
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.5 - Blade Tip ZTV with Viewpoints
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.6 - Hub Height ZTV with Viewpoints
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.7 - Horizontal Angle Blade Tip ZTV and Viewpoints
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.8 - Blade Tip ZTV and LCA
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.9a - Landscape Designations with ZTV
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.9b - Landscape Designations with ZTV (20km)
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.10 - Visual Receptors and ZTV
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.11 - Composite Map
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.12 - Cumulative Wind Farms
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.13a-n - Cumulative ZTV
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.14 - Baseline Light Pollution
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.15 - ZTV of Turbine Hub Lighting_LR
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.16 - Lighting Intensity
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 7.1 - Habitat Comparison at Turbine 1
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 7.2 - Habitat Composition at the Relocated BESS and Substation
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.1.1 - Revised Development Site - A02
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.1.2 - Geomorphical Map - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.1.3 - Peat Probe Depths - A02
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.1.4 - Probing Summary Report - A02
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.1.5 - Slope - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.1.6 - Factor of Safety Plan - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.1.7 - Hazard Ranking Zonation Plan - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.2.1 Revised Development Site - A02
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.2.2 - Peat Probe Depths - A02
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.2.3 - Probing Summary Report - A02
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.2.4 - Proposed Floating Track - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 10.2.5 - Temporary Peat Storage Areas - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 12.1 - Noise Contour Plot - A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 14.1 - Updated All Recreational Routes within 5 km Study Area- A01
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 16.1 - Shadow Flicker Map - A01 1
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.17 - VP1
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.18 - VP2
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.19 - VP3
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.20 - VP4
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.21 - VP5
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.22 - VP6
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.23 - VP7
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.24 - VP8
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.25 - VP9
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.26 - VP10
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.27 - VP11
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.28 - VP12
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.29 - VP13
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.30 - VP14
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.31 - VP15
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.32 - VP16
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.33 - VP17
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.34 - VP18
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.35 - VP19
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.36 - VP20
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.37 - VP21
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.38 - VP22
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.39 - VP23
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.40 - VP24
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.41 - VP25
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.42 - VP26
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.43 - VP27
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.44a-b - SUW Sequential VP 1 & 2
- Volume 2 - AEI Figure 6.44c-f - SUW Sequential VP 3-5
- Volume 3 - Cloud Hill Wind Farm AEI Technical Appendices
- Volume 4 - AEI Non-Technical Summary
Community Benefits
BayWa r.e UK is committed to supporting communities that neighbour our wind farm developments. Our commitment includes an annual community fund, designed to provide a valuable long term, sustainable, and reliable source of income that directly supports local community priorities.
This flexible funding can be applied to a wide range of community needs, from large scale projects to smaller initiatives, as well as both capital investments, and harder to fund revenue activities. Importantly, this private sector funding also has the potential to unlock additional matching funds, enhancing its impact and value to the community.
A community benefit package of £5,000 per installed MW will be offered annually for the life of the Cloud Hill Wind Farm. This will amount to approximately £280,000 per year, index linked, totalling over £9m across the 35-year operation period.
Local Business Register
A range of services are required during the construction and operational phases of a project and the Cloud Hill Wind Farm presents opportunities for local businesses with the right skills and services. If you are interested in working with us, get in touch by emailing CloudHillWindfarm(at)baywa-re.co.uk to be added to our Local Suppliers Database.
Engaging with the Community
The development team at BayWa r.e. has undertaken extensive public consultation throughout the Cloud Hill development phase. Our aim has been to ensure the views of local people have been considered in the design of the wind farm and everyone in the local area is aware of the application.
Public consultation has included exhibitions, and regular meetings with the Community Councils of Royal Burgh of Sanquhar; Kelloholm and Kirkconnel, and Penpont. A dedicated project website provided regular updates throughout the development phase. Newsletters were also distributed to the local community at key stages.
*Calculated using the most recent statistics from DESNZ showing that annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239kWh kWh (as of January 2024, updated annually): number of megawatts installed, multiplied by a site specific load factor expressed as a fraction of 1, multiplied by number of hours in a year, divided by average annual domestic electricity consumption expressed in MWh.