GreenPower, an independent Scottish-owned renewable energy business, has submitted an application for the five turbine Neven Point Wind Farm on the island of Eday in Orkney, and has set out plans to ensure islanders receive significant and tangible benefits from the development.
GreenPower has committed to maximizing employment and contract opportunities for local people and businesses, on Eday and across Orkney, as well as committing to an annual Eday community benefit fund in the region of £156,000 – £190,000 per year depending on the final capacity of each turbine. Local business rates will amount to circa £225,000 annually.
In response to community feedback, a substantial energy bill reduction programme for islanders is planned as part of community benefit funding, with initial proposals for up to £2,000 off energy bills per household for those living closest to the project in the south of the island, and a £1000 and £500 banded approach for the rest of the island. Energy efficiency measures and property fabric improvements will be included in this programme. An opportunity for community shared ownership is proposed, should the project receive planning consent.
The environmental impact assessment which accompanies the application has concluded that overall there will be no significant impacts on wildlife, habitats, tourism, local roads, hydrology and property values from the carefully designed project. A noise assessment by independent chartered acousticians has concluded that operational noise limits, typically imposed by the local authority, will be met.
Originally proposed back in 2019 as an 8 turbine project, the project was reduced to 6 turbines by GreenPower when it acquired the project in 2022, then reduced again to 5 as a result of further studies and stakeholder consultation. The £49m investment development will utilize modern, highly efficient wind turbines at 180m height to the tip of the blade.
The application follows a substantial four-year period of consultation and engagement with the community and statutory consultees. Four years of bird studies also support the application. The plans include substantial biodiversity enhancement through habitat and restoration works.
George Baxter, Director of Development said: “We took the time we needed to get the development right, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to islanders for their constructive engagement with us over the last few years. There is always a range of opinions about any wind farm development, and we have engaged extensively above and beyond statutory requirements. As we look forward to delivering a project that harnesses the substantial wind resource of Eday, I want to reaffirm our absolute commitment to deliver tangible and substantial benefits to the people of Eday.”
Sam Layton, Project Manager, added: “This is the result of seven years of work initiated by local developers, shaped to bring real, lasting benefits to Eday and Orkney. Every part of the design has been carefully considered, following years of consultation and detailed assessments.
“The complexity of any wind farm project always requires a careful balance of assessing site constraints and effects – and involves many independent and chartered specialists to inform the final project design and methodologies.
“We know many people can see the value in a project that supports local infrastructure, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and brings new opportunities to the island. The assessment shows that some of the common concerns such as noise levels or effects on the ferry service, for example, have been addressed. This has always been about more than generating power – it’s about doing something that works for the environment, the economy, and people.”
Copies of the full EIA and application can be found online at Orkney Islands Council website by searching 25/203/TPPMA.
A printed copy will be made available for local people at The Heritage Hall from 30th June 2025.
The application is now open to public comment and wider stakeholder consultation by the Orkney Islands Council as planning authority.
Notes to editors:
- Commitments register, summary of key areas in the Environmental Impact Assessment report, Map of the site and visualizations, full copy of the EIA and application can all be found at: Neven Point Wind Farm – GreenPower International
- A related planning submission, also subject to a works license and marine construction license application, will be made for a specialized marine access causeway and floating pier/barge for the delivery of large components and equipment. Information related to this can be found here: Neven Point Wind Farm – GreenPower International