Energy / Yell wind farm timeline still unclear due to grid connection
STATKRAFT now says it is only planning to start construction on its Beaw Field wind farm in Yell “before the end of this decade”.
A spokesperson said timelines continue to be dependent on the future grid connection from Yell to the Shetland mainland.
Statkraft acquired the 17-turbine wind farm development from Peel Energy alongside the smaller the Mossy Hill project last year.
An electricity generation licence has now been sought for Beaw Field from energy regulator Ofgem.
The focus recently for Statkraft has been on Mossy Hill outside of Lerwick, which it has now been revised from 12 to eight turbines. However, they would have an increased height.
The company spokesperson said it will similarly review Beaw Field.
“Once timelines are clear, we will review the project that we acquired from the previous developer and make a decision on the best route to deliver it,” they said.
Statkraft is also the developer of the planned 18-turbine Energy Isles wind farm in Yell.
All three projects have planning permission, though new consent will be needed for Statkraft’s revised Mossy Hill proposals.
SSEN has long raised the prospect of a subsea cable from the Shetland mainland to Yell to allow wind farms on the island to export power, but this is still in the planning phase.
There are also proposals for new overhead lines and underground cables in Yell as well as more on the mainland to Kergord.
Assessing connection options for Yell has previously seen timescales for the Energy Isles wind farm slip.
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