Energy / Yell wind farm developer requests two-year planning extension
THE DEVELOPER behind a proposed wind farm in Yell is seeking a two-year extension to the time it has to commence development.
This is because when the 17-turbine Beaw Field wind farm was given consent there was a condition that development should commence within five years – by November this year.
Meanwhile developer Peel Energy has confirmed that it has submitted a fresh application to the UK Government subsidy Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme.
The outcome of the latest CfD auction is expected later this year.
The CfD scheme looks to incentivise investment in renewable energy and reduce the cost of capital while minimising the cost to customers.
Peel was given consent for the wind farm in the south of Yell in 2017.
It has now formally requested from the Scottish Government’s energy consents unit to extend the implementation date to November 2024.
However, it also is in the process of preparing an application to vary its consent to change the operational life of Beaw Field from 25 years to 40 years.
Peel noted in its request that the Shetland transmission link, which will allow renewable energy projects to export power to the Scottish mainland, is not due to be energised until 2024.
It also said the CfD process could take time should there be any reviews or appeals.
Peel Energy, which is also behind the planned Mossy Hill wind farm on the outskirts of Lerwick, lost out in the last CfD round in 2019 – as did Viking Energy.
The Scottish Government’s energy consents unit is dealing with the Beaw Field case as the total generating capacity would be above 50MW.
It has now asked statutory consultees for their thoughts on the request to extend the commencement condition to 2024.
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