Background
Over the last few years RES has been exploring the potential for a wind farm at Cairnmore Hill, approximately 4.5 km west of Thurso.
We have undertaken extensive survey work and environmental studies in order to build a thorough understanding of the site and a wealth of data has been gathered, providing a rigorous dataset to help develop the design. This information, together with feedback from the local community and key consultees, has played an important part in the design development process over the years.
A 10-turbine scheme was originally developed and then later reduced to 8-turbines. The project received positive feedback from the public at the 2016 and 2019 public exhibition events held in Forss and Thurso. However, in March 2021, the scheme was refused by The Highland Council.
New onshore wind and large scale solar are now the cheapest forms of electricity generation, making onshore wind developments not only beneficial for the environment but also for consumers. With the recent COP26 event in Glasgow, there has never been a greater need for projects like Cairnmore Hill to help support Scotland’s longer-term goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2045 and to support a ‘green recovery’ within the region.
Redesigning the proposal
We continue to believe that Cairnmore Hill offers excellent potential for a wind farm development. It has good wind resource, few ecological constraints, straight-forward access off the A836 public road and is close to Scrabster harbour for turbine deliveries.
Importantly, it also lies in an area identified by Highland Council as having ‘potential for wind farm development’ and within an area that the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan seeks to promote as an internationally renowned centre for renewable energy and area for energy business expansion.
As such, and following further technical analysis, we explored an optimised design - taking the concerns previously raised into consideration. In January 2022, RES submitted a Scoping Report to The Highland Council, as well as other consultees (including local Community Councils), for a redesign of its 8-turbine Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm proposal. The Scoping Report presented a more compact 5-turbine scheme, and a copy of the Scoping Report can be viewed here.
Public exhibitions were also held in February and May 2022 to consult with the local community on the redesign and gather feedback. More information about the public exhibitions can be found here.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Over the last few years, RES has undertaken a wide range of technical studies and environmental surveys on the site as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A wealth of data and information has been collected, providing a rigorous dataset and enabling RES to develop a robust design in relation to environmental considerations. RES has also been engaging with key consultees, including The Highland Council, NatureScot (formerly SNH), and RSPB, in order to keep them informed and discuss findings where necessary.
The purpose of an EIA is to investigate and mitigate any potential effects of a development on the natural, physical and human environment. The EIA is a compulsory part of the planning and consenting process for wind farms. Within an EIA, the potential impacts and effects of a development on human beings, fauna and flora; soil, water, air, climate, and the landscape; material assets and the cultural heritage; and the interaction between these factors, are examined and their significance assessed. Where necessary, mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce potential impacts are identified.
The findings from all of the site studies are written up as a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), which accompanies the planning application submitted by RES to The Highland Council in August 2022. The Highland Council will take the EIAR into account when deciding whether or not to grant consent for the wind farm.
For more information on the planning application please click here.