Scots prep Orkney wind plan

Hoolan Energy is preparing to submit a planning application to Orkney Islands Council for the 20.4MW Costa Head wind farm, which would be located north of Loch of Swannay.

The proposed development is for five turbines with up to 125-metre tip heights.

The company said that a transmission grid connection application has been made and an offer accepted from SHE Transmission with an indicative connection date of 2022 should the proposal be consented.

Hoolan Energy said the planning application follows a scoping exercise that took place in spring 2015, environmental impact assessments and a public exhibition at Birsay Hall in June.

“Early designs during the scoping exercise included six turbines and the submitted application will now include electric car charging points at the entrance of the project, following feedback from the exhibition,” the company said.

The wind farm will be developed on a shared ownership model, giving local groups and residents the opportunity to invest in the scheme, it added.

Image: Hoolan Energy