Onshore plans for West of Orkney Windfarm approved

Highland Council has approved the onshore plans of the West of Orkney Windfarm.
The project’s onshore application for planning permission in principle outlined the underground cables and electrical infrastructure required to connect the multi-billion-pound windfarm to the national transmission network.

This is a significant milestone for the two-gigawatt energy scheme, which aims to commence construction in 2027 and begin generating electricity in 2029. Once fully operational, the project will provide enough green energy for around two million homes.

In 2022 the West of Orkney Windfarm secured the development rights to an area of seabed from Crown Estate Scotland in the ScotWind leasing round to develop an offshore windfarm 30km west of Orkney and 25km north of the Sutherland coast.

The windfarm will have up to 125 turbines on fixed foundations and is being developed by a joint venture comprising Corio Generation, TotalEnergies and Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG).

West of Orkney Windfarm development manager Jack Farnham said: “We would like to thank local residents and community representatives, landowners and businesses across the Highlands for their time and input on our proposals. Community feedback helped us shape and deliver our application.

“The officers’ report and members positive decision ensures we can continue to realise the local, regional and national benefits from the West of Orkney Windfarm.”