EDF Renewables UK has submitted its planning application for a wind farm near Watten in Caithness.
This follows two local public exhibitions which allowed local people the chance to see details of the finalised project prior to submission of the application.
The application will now be advertised as part of the formal consultation process, inviting representations from members of the public.
The proposed seven turbine Watten wind farm would have a total generating capacity of up to 47.6MW along with a 20MW battery storage system. Lying approximately 3km to the southwest of Watten it would generate enough electricity to power up to 29,300 homes*.
EDF Renewables UK is one of the leading developers of onshore wind in the UK and operates 10 onshore wind farms across Scotland, including Corriemoillie wind farm in Ross-shire and Dorenell wind farm in Moray.
Watten wind farm would consist of seven 6.6MW turbines, with tip heights of up to 220m.
Sarah Dooley, Principal Project Development Manager in Scotland for EDF Renewables UK said: “Throughout the process of developing this wind farm we have met with local people on a number of occasions to listen to their thoughts and concerns.
“We held a final round of public exhibitions recently to show local people the finalised design for the project. We wanted to make sure they had the full information on the application before they responded.
“If consented, this project will be a key milestone in accelerating a net zero future and tackling climate change.”
Now the application has been registered with the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit it is advertised locally in the John OGroat Journal, Caithness Courier and Press and Journal for those who wish to make representations. The full application can be viewed at Watten Village Hall from 12 noon until 7pm Monday to Friday starting Monday 28 August 2023. The closing date for representations is Friday 13 October.
*Based upon the average domestic electricity consumption per home (temperature corrected) per the Energy Consumption in the UK (published July 2021, Table C9 of ECUK: Consumption data tables)
