Locogen has secured planning permission for a wind development on Shetland.
Our Planning & Environment team is delighted to have secured permission for two 105m wind turbines at Hill of Wethersta, a site south of Brae on Shetland. This is welcome news for Locogen and our client, Wetha Wind Ltd, who has been working with us to assess the potential of generating wind energy on their site since 2019.
Numerous setbacks, such as grid-related delays and issues around the interface between the new interconnector between Shetland and the mainland and local distribution network, cast uncertainty on the feasibility of the project and how it would be able to connect. This led to the consideration of other approaches, such as the potential for using the wind generation for local hydrogen production or local private wire connection options. Whilst options for local usage are still being considered the project ultimately secured a Gate 2 grid offer which allowed works to progress.
Locogen’s inhouse Planning and Environment consultancy team managed the full planning application works for the onshore wind development, which included internal completion of key works alongside management of external ecology and noise specialists. Locogen delivered the Environmental Statement as well as providing ongoing technical support through the planning process.
The project is now awaiting its formal Gate 2 offer from SHEPD and will be working towards construction. The current expectation is that, once operational, the project will be connected to the grid and export up to 5MW – enough energy to power over 5,000 UK homes.
Ellis Nicolson, Director at Wetha Wind Ltd commented:
“Receiving planning permission is a major achievement and reflects years of careful assessment, consultation and development. We would like to thank Locogen for their professionalism and dedication in helping bring the project to this point. Once operational, these turbines will make a meaningful contribution to renewable energy generation in Shetland, supporting both sustainability goals and local economic investment. We look forward to taking the next steps towards construction.”
