Costa Head wind farm plans to be submitted

In the coming week, renewable energy developer Hoolan Energy is to submit a planning application to Orkney Islands Council for a major wind turbine development proposed for the Orkney Mainland’s north coast.

The proposed Costa Head Wind Farm, which would be north of the Loch of Swannay, would consist of five 125m tall turbines, with a capacity of 20.4MW

Hoolan Energy has said, if the farm is approved, it could produce enough energy to power approximately 12,215 households every year.

The plans for the wind development at Costa Head were first announced in April last year and a met mast has been installed at the area since last March. As well as the submission for Costa Head Wind Farm, Hoolan Energy is progressing their proposals for Hesta Head Wind Farm on South Ronaldsay and plan to submit a planning application in early 2017.

The application follows Hoolan Energy undertaking a scoping exercise in spring last year, environmental impact assessment work and a public exhibition at Birsay Hall in June 2016, which was visited by over 50 residents. The outcome of the studies and consultation has helped shape the design of the proposed wind farm.

The company also says the Costa Head Wind Farm proposal will be under a shared ownership model, giving local groups and residents the opportunity to invest in the scheme.

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

If consented, the wind farm will cost in the region of £20m to construct and Hoolan Energy has said it is committed to using local companies for the work where possible. Hoolan Energy has already made a transmission grid connection application for the proposal, and has accepted offers from SHE-Transmission with an estimated connection date of 2022 should the proposal be consented.