Costa Head Wind Farm supported the case to bring a new subsea grid connection to Orkney and since 2015 we have been working to ensure the new interconnector was approved.
Our projects were the first on Orkney to secure planning consent, hold grid connections and win CfDs (Contracts for Difference). Now approved, the benefits of a new interconnector include greater security of energy supply, economic and community benefits, employment and renewable energy investment opportunities.
The site benefits from excellent wind resource, validated by a 2 year on-site measurement campaign. There is good access from the nearest road, with an existing track leading directly into the site and there are no international or national natural heritage designations, and no cultural heritage (archaeological) designations on site.
There is no peat within the site boundary except high on Costa Hill and no infrastructure is proposed here.
Once operational, Costa Head will contribute £5,000 per MW community benefit fund. The wind farm offers shared ownership and the option of match funded enhanced community benefit fund to target alleviation of fuel poverty in the local area.
