The Development and Infrastructure Committee of Orkney Island Council has given its approval to the offshore plans for the proposed 2000MW West of Orkney wind farm. The decision follows a thorough review of the project’s offshore plans, which encompass detailed information regarding turbine placement, cable routes, and a comprehensive suite of environmental assessments based on extensive survey data collected over two and a half years.
The final decision on offshore consent rests with Scottish Ministers, who will consider recommendations from the Marine Directorate Licensing Operations Team (MD-LOT), along with input from statutory consultees, including Orkney Islands Council.
The West of Orkney wind farm, slated to feature up to 125 turbines on fixed foundations, aims to commence power generation by 2029. Positioned 30 kilometers west of the Orkney Mainland and 25 kilometers north of the Sutherland coast, the project is spearheaded by a joint venture comprising Corio Generation, TotalEnergies, and Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG).
Jack Farnham, West of Orkney Windfarm Development Manager, expressed appreciation for the council’s support, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Orkney community and businesses over several years. Farnham remarked, “We welcome this positive support from Orkney Islands Council. We have been working closely with the community and businesses in Orkney for a number of years to ensure our ambitious project will bring positive, long-term benefits to Orkney, Caithness, and Sutherland.”
Farnham further emphasized the significance of timely approval from the Scottish Government and The Highland Council to meet Scotland’s offshore wind deployment targets, which aim to unlock substantial investment opportunities and foster economic and social development in the region.
