September 9, 2020
Scotland

Orkney wind farm proposals to be studied following concerns of ‘wake effect’

Project Scotland | September, 2020 | projectscot.com

Orkney Islands Council has signed an agreement with Hoy Energy Ltd to undertake a study to ensure that the island’s income isn’t adversely affected by a proposed new wind farm.

A planning application is due to be submitted later this month for the build of the wind farm at Wee Fea in Lyness, which sits close to the site of an existing community turbine. The agreement will see Hoy Energy Ltd, operators of the existing turbine, carry out a study into the potential ‘wake effect’ from the proposed turbines.

The local authority said that a ‘wake effect’ could see the proposed new turbines disturb the flow of wind to the existing turbine in certain weather conditions – thereby reducing the energy produced.

The council said that initial analysis suggests that this scenario is unlikely, but insisted that a study should be taken to conclude the potential effect to ensure that Hoy Energy Ltd and the local community are compensated for any lost revenue.

An Orkney Islands Council spokesperson said, “If the proposals and sites are found through the planning process to be appropriate and the project goes forward, it could generate significant income and community benefit for Orkney. All profit would stay in the islands, enabling the council to preserve and enhance key services that local people value and depend upon and providing a foundation for communities to drive transformational projects of their own.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/09/09/orkney-wind-farm-proposals-to-be-studied-following-concerns-of-wake-effect/