Statkraft has announced a redesign of the Mossy Hill Wind Farm near Lerwick in Shetland, aiming to decrease the number of turbines by a third and minimize the project's visual and environmental impact.
The original consented plan, approved by Shetland Islands Council in 2019 and acquired by Statkraft in 2023, included up to 12 turbines with an installed capacity of approximately 48MW. The redesigned scheme proposes reducing the number of turbines from 12 to eight, while slightly increasing the tip height of the remaining units from 145 meters to 155 meters. This adjustment will result in a revised installed capacity of around 36MW.
The redesign will necessitate a new planning application and offers an opportunity to enhance amenity provisions and outdoor access around the site. Improvements include re-routing the National Cycle Network Route 1 to avoid the main A970 road, better visitor access, additional site information panels, outdoor seating, and nature observation areas.
Statkraft also plans to construct a single-story office building near the planned Mossy Hill substation. This office will serve as a base for Statkraft employees in Shetland and include public facilities such as toilets, a water refill station, and parking. The site will also feature electric charging points to support local and visiting electric vehicle users.
Public exhibitions will be held in August 2024 to present the revised plans and gather feedback from the local community and stakeholders. John Thouless, Statkraft's principal wind project manager, emphasized that the redesign reflects a decade of technological and environmental advancements, aiming to reduce the visual impact of the wind farm and enhance community benefits.
