August 15, 2018
Scotland

Moray West Offshore Wind Farm submit transmission plans

Written by David McPhee | Aberdeen Journals Limited | 15/08/2018 | www.energyvoice.com

Following a long battle with the local community, a Moray Firth wind farm development today submitted its plans to come onshore to local authorities.

Admitting that the local community “clearly influenced” the decision, the projects development manager for Moray (West) Offshore Wind Farm said today that the developments onshore transmission plans could also net 150 new jobs for the local area.

Last month, the tiny Sandend community celebrated after winning a David vs Goliath battle against the major wind farm development.

Local residents had arguing since January against plans for the substation cabling to come ashore at the beach.

The spot is a favourite among surfers, and they were among the campaigners fighting against the green energy scheme cutting through the sands.

The developer has also removed the villages of Sandend, Fordyce, Berryhillock and Kirkton of Deskford from the application area.

The Moray West Offshore Windfarm aims to deploy 90 turbines off the coast of the Moray Firth which could provide power for more than 850,000 homes.

Jamie Grant, OFTO development manager for Moray Offshore Windfarm (West) Ltd , said: “Following an extensive consultation programme we are pleased to submit our plans for the Onshore Transmission Infrastructure to support Moray West Offshore Wind Farm.

“We have worked closely with the local communities and key stakeholders to ensure that the proposals are appropriate for the area and reflect the feedback we have gathered throughout the development process. This feedback has clearly influenced our final plans with the exclusion of Sandend Beach and key residential settlements.

“I would like to thank everyone for their interest in our plans. We will be hosting a range of activities in local communities in the coming months – continuing our engagement as our plans progress.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/08/15/moray-west-offshore-wind-farm-submit-transmission-plans/