Scottish renewable energy company GreenPower publishes a register of key commitments to the community as it holds the first of two public exhibitions for its wind farm proposal at Neven Point, on the island of Eday. Orkney.
A fresh community pre-application consultation kicks off this week based on a revised design. Experienced independent renewable energy company GreenPower has operated for 25 years, and commitments being made include:
- ensuring the pier and ferry services are protected and maintained during construction,
- to consult further on priorities for community benefit funds including a potential energy discount scheme,
- welcoming interest in community investment and to have open discussion about how and whether this could work,
- measures to maximise opportunities for local businesses and local skills and services to be involved in the project.
Following initial consultation in 2022, GreenPower has undertaken additional technical and environmental survey work – and this data, together with community and statutory consultee feedback received, has helped to further refine the layout. This has resulted in a new 5-turbine layout which has removed a key turbine closest to a number of properties.
George Baxter, Director of Development said: “We have carefully refined the proposal following earlier consultations and are now seeking constructive feedback on the revised design. Our aim is to support the urgent action needed to tackle climate change, but crucially to do so in a way that significantly benefits the community.
“We take our responsibilities as a reputable developer and operator of high-quality renewable energy projects very seriously. We believe the project could make a significant positive contribution to the island’s future prosperity, and offers meaningful and tangible benefits which could help secure and preserve the sustainability of the island. As such, people’s feedback at this stage on the benefits they would like to see the project deliver is really important.
“The modern turbines proposed are becoming standard across Europe – they are efficient, quiet and powerful and the experience of wind farm development across Scottish islands and the rest of Scotland is generally positive. There’s always a range of views though and we respect that people have different opinions – we are looking forward to constructive feedback and informed discussions this week when we unveil the revised project alongside our commitments to the community so far, and thereafter.”
The commitments register is a live working document which will be added to, in response to feedback and consultation on the project. Planning application submission is expected in the first half of 2025.
Project web pages: Neven Point Wind Farm – GreenPower International
The full commitments register can be found here: Neven Point Commitments Register
Letter to residents: Letter to Eday Residents October 2024