Energy / Three wind turbines proposed for the central mainland
SHETLAND’s central mainland could be in line to host another three large wind turbines.
Planning documents show that three turbines, up to 150 metres in height, are proposed for hilly land in between Sand Water and the Loch of Girlsta.
The applicant is Wind2, a renewable energy developer with bases in Scotland and Wales.
More details on the proposed location can be found on the council’s planning portal.
A representative confirmed to Shetland News that Wind2 would be the owner of the development, which would have a capacity of around 15MW.
They added that the power would go into the grid – with a grid offer in place to that effect. However, the plans are at a very early stage.
The representative added that Wind2 has a portfolio of projects with a capacity of under 20MW being developed at the moment, mostly across Scotland.
The three Girlsta turbines would essentially be located on the other side of the A970 road from the Viking ones which are already in the nearby area.
The turbines would be similar in height to Viking’s, which are slightly larger with a tip height of 155 metres.
At this stage the applicant for the ‘Girlsta Wind Farm’ is seeking a formal environmental impact assessment screening opinion from the local authority.
A report submitted by the applicant said as well the turbines, there would be infrastructure required such as a substation.
It added that the “potential cumulative effects of the proposed development with the Viking Wind Farm will be an important consideration for the project”.
The report continued: “The relationship of the proposed development and relationship with Viking Wind Farm, to the north, will be carefully considered from viewpoints.
“The turbine layout should seek to avoid potential stacking, or overlapping or turbines, nothing that the proposed development may be seen in some views as a small extension to Viking Wind Farm.
“Given the close proximity and size of the scheme, this wind farm will be a key consideration in the design development of the scheme.
“A key design objective could be to seek to design a layout that reads as a compatible extension to Viking Wind Farm, where this is relevant, depending upon direction of view.”
The applicant concluded that it proposes to submit a detailed planning application which would include “suitable environmental mitigation, pre-emptive and ongoing environmental management proposals and any relevant technical and environmental appraisals”.
Wind2’s project manager Hannah Brown said the company develops wind and solar farms across the UK.
When asked about how the company came to be developing a project in Shetland, she said: “Our usual site finding processes involve looking at availability of grid connectivity, wind speeds and other constraints.
“This area has available grid in the near future, it naturally has a high wind speed and limited known constraints at this stage making it a good candidate for a wind farm.”
It comes after ten wind turbines were also proposed recently for land near to Sullom Voe Terminal as part of the Neshion Energy Park project.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party 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.
