News / Government approval for Beaw Field wind farm plans
A PROPOSAL to build a 17-turbine wind farm at the southend of Yell has received planning consent from the Scottish Government.
Peel Energy’s Beaw Field development now hinges on whether Shetland will be connected to the UK mainland via an interconnector cable to allow the export of energy from large renewable projects in the isles.
The Beaw Field project with a capacity of 57.8MW is the second large scale wind farm proposal that has been granted consent from Scottish Ministers.
Peel Energy is also behind a proposal to build a 21-turbine wind farm on the outskirts of Lerwick.
The company’s managing director Muir Miller said he was encouraged by the local support they were receiving.
“This decision is another important step forward for Peel Energy and also helps the Shetland wind development community towards its renewable energy ambitions,” he said.
He said that Peel Energy was adding its voice to that of other island wind developers in calling for clarity and certainty over the long term grid connection and tariff arrangements needed to meet the economic development potential of wind energy.
“We are hopeful that Ofgem’s recent decision to reject the proposed 60MW sub-sea cable will quickly be replaced with robust plans for a larger scale, two way transmission link as part of a joined up, future orientated approach,” he said.
“We welcome the UK Government’s decision in October to allow island wind projects to take part in the next competitive Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction.
“Moving forwards there is more to be done in ensuring the auction arrangements are fair and balanced concerning island wind as distinct from other less established technologies in the competition.”
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
