Energy / Possible redesign of Yell wind farm being explored
SURVEY work is being undertaken to look at a possible redesign of a consented wind farm in Yell.
Statkraft was granted planning consent by the Scottish Government nearly a decade ago for 17 wind turbines in the south of Yell.
The 72MW development was originally developed by Peel Energy before Statkraft bought the project – and the proposed smaller Mossy Hill wind farm outside of Lerwick – in 2023.
Existing consent for Mossy Hill is 12 turbines with a tip height of 145 metres.
Statkraft is now proposing eight turbines with a height of 155 metres, which would result in the generating capacity dropping from 48MW to 36MW.
Regarding Beaw Field, Statkraft’s principal wind project manager John Thouless said: “We have been looking at a possible re-design of Beaw Field Wind Farm, to see if the previously consented plan is still the best way to build the project.
“To support this work, a local contractor is undertaking some further surveys.
“Any major changes to the site would be consulted on locally and subject to the public planning process.”
Statkraft also has consent for the 18-turbine Energy Isles wind farm in northwest Yell.
Grid connection dates for the two yell wind farms are currently slated for October 2032.
Minutes from a community liaison group meeting in September also show that Statkraft does not expect Beaw Field’s community benefit fund to decrease if there were less turbines.
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