Energy / Government approves lifespan extension for Yell wind farm
THE DEVELOPER behind a proposed wind farm in Yell has been successful in extending the lifespan of the project.
The consented operational period of Peel Energy’s 17-turbine Beaw Field wind farm is now 40 years rather than 25.
The hope is for the wind farm, and Peel’s proposed Mossy Hill development outside Lerwick, to be operational by 2027.
Both wind farms are consented and have been awarded government support through the Contracts for Difference scheme.
The application for extending the Beaw Field lifespan was made to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit, as the total generating capacity would be above 50MW. Shetland Islands Council was a consultee and it offered no objections.
As there are no changes involved to the number, layout or height of the wind turbines or infrastructure, Scottish ministers were satisfied to approve the lifespan extension application.
The determination letter said ministers feel the wind farm will “provide considerable carbon savings and will contribute to renewable energy targets of an order that weighs in favour of the variation application”.
Peel was given main consent for Beaw Field, in the south of Yell, back in 2017.
Peel’s development director for energy Rob Tate said: “We’re pleased with the government’s decision to approve the extended lifespan of our Beaw Field wind farm and this now gives greater certainty for us to progress these plans and move forward with delivery and construction.
“We recently received additional government support through the Contracts for Difference scheme for our Beaw Field and Mossy Hill wind farms and in line with this, we hope to see these developments commissioned by 2027 to help generate cleaner energy for the Shetland Islands.”
It is one of two wind farms proposed for Yell – the other being the 18-turbine Energy Isles development in the north west of the island.
However, the Energy Isles wind farm is still yet to receive a planning determination from the government.
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