OIC investigating potential for large-scale wind farm

Orkney Islands Council investigating the potential for a substantial wind energy project, and are looking for landowners to put forward possible sites.

The council has said it is looking into wind energy as an important source of income for the county.

“As we move forward with this initiative, we want to make sure we’ve explored every avenue open to us,” said OIC Leader James Stockan.

“We welcome approaches from people across Orkney with land that could prove suitable – it’s important we identify the best possible location for the type of project we envisage.”

Councillor Stockan added: “The Council is taking an entrepreneurial approach to addressing the many challenges we and our community face in the years ahead. We fully expect the Council’s funding from Government to reduce greatly – while demand continues to grow for many of the services we provide.

“The income from a large scale wind farm could play a vital role in enabling us to maintain services and avoid the need for cuts. In addition, a substantial wind energy development would require a new grid connection to the Scottish mainland.

“With a new link to the grid, community-owned wind turbines could then operate to their full potential, instead of having their output constrained. It could also act as a catalyst for the further development of our marine renewables industry.”

According to the council, an initial study commissioned last year looked at four potential sites, two of which have since been ruled out as unsuitable for a large wind farm.

In addition to inviting landowners to come forward with other potential sites, the next phase of work on the project will involve drawing up detailed proposals for the wind energy development. A community consultation on these draft proposals will then take place, to gather feedback from the public, local businesses and a range of other organisations.

More information about the council’s initiative, is available here.