Application submitted for Hesta Head windfarm

Hoolan Energy has submitted a planning application to Orkney Islands Council for a proposed Hesta Head windfarm, near Ward Hill on South Ronaldsay.

The proposals are for the erection of five turbines, each up to 125m in height, with a total capacity of up to 20.4MW.

The plans for the wind development at Hesta Head were first announced in April 2015 and Hoolan Energy installed a met mast at the site in March 2016.

Separate to the Hesta Head proposals, the company has been moving forward with plans for a proposed Costa Head wind farm in the West Mainland, which would also consist of five 125m tall turbines and has attracted concerns from local residents in recent weeks.

Notably, the turbines constructed under the two projects would be the tallest in Orkney.

According to Hoolan Energy, the Hesta Head application follows a scoping exercise, environmental impact assessment work and a public exhibition at Cromarty Hall, the results of which have helped shape the design of the project — such as reducing the number of turbines from six to five.

If consented, the wind farm will cost in the region of £20m to construct and the developer says it is committed to using local companies where possible and working with the local supply chain.

Hoolan Energy has made a transmission grid connection application for their projects and accepted the grid offer from National Grid, with an indicative connection date of October 2022 should the proposal be consented.

SSE are responsible for the grid infrastructure design and route in Orkney as well the wider grid upgrades planned to reinforce the existing grid connection from Orkney to Caithness.

SSE have recently held information days in Orkney to discuss their plans and more information can be found at here.