Below are frequently asked questions which will be updated on a regular basis.
Where is the project?
The Altnabreac project is located on commercially forested land in Caithness, southeast of Altnabreac railway station, approximately 7km to the south-west of the village of Halkirk with Thurso approximately 24km to the north.
Who is developing this project?
EDP Renewables (EDPR) are the ultimate owner of this project. Wind2 are supporting EDPR in developing the project and are the initial point of contact.
Why do you call it a wind ‘Farm’?
Wind Farm is an industry recognised terminology for a project consisting of more than a single wind turbine.
Why is the project needed?
There is a need to deliver more renewable energy schemes to meet the challenges we face on climate change. The move away from fossil fuels will help us to not only tackle climate change but move towards energy security and help tackle rising energy costs through the delivery of more affordable alternative energy sources.
The project would also make an important contribution to Scottish Government targets to increase the amount of onshore wind and to the Governments 2045 net zero target. The Scottish Government outlined within its 2022 Wind Policy Statement a commitment to deliver 20GW of installed onshore wind by 2030. This is just over double Scotland’s current installed onshore wind capacity of around 9GW. If the Government does not achieve this target by 2030, this project will be in line to support the delivery of the next round of targets set to the industry.
When would all this be delivered?
At present, we have an anticipated grid connection date of mid-2032, and so we would aim to build the project by then to connect into the grid network.
To facilitate this, we are currently looking to submit a planning application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) by the end of 2025.
Where can I view further information on the proposals?
EDPR and Wind2 are at the early stages of developing a planning application for its Altnabreac proposals. The request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) is the first stage in understanding what assessments will be required as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The Scoping document was submitted to the ECU in November 2024. Click here to view the Scoping submission and Scoping Opinion from the ECU.
More information will be provided to local communities throughout the public consultation stages which will continue in 2025. The project website will be regularly updated with all the latest information as the project progresses.
Why has the Altnabreac site been selected for the proposed development?
At EDPR and Wind2, extensive multi-stage feasibility studies are undertaken to assess a site’s suitability for renewable energy production. This involves looking at the various environmental and technical disciplines, such as noise, ecology, landscape impacts, residential amenity, grid, wind speed and many more.
The Altnabreac Wind Farm has undergone this process and has been extensively reviewed by our experienced team and independent consultants. It has been selected as a very promising site for the production of renewable energy.
Will the energy generated from the Wind Farm be distributed locally?
The energy generated on site will be fed directly into the national grid, where it will be distributed across the network. Whilst EDPR and Wind2 would like to see the electricity produced at Altnabreac distributed locally, this is managed by the Transmission Network Operator and so this unfortunately cannot be guaranteed.
However, the addition of renewable energy projects across Scotland will contribute to lowering energy bills over time, as onshore wind and solar are more cost effective at generating electricity.
What is the cost of the change of land use?
As the site is currently commercially forested, there will be a change of land use to produce renewable energy. Some of the forest will be removed to make way for the turbines. The loss of trees will be compensated elsewhere, usually on site, with the replanting of trees and other environmental enhancements such as areas of forest returned to its original bog. This has the opportunity to directly benefit the neighbouring parcels of land which are included in the current Flow Country World Heritage Site boundary.
How will the Wind Farm benefit the local communities?
EDPR and Wind2 is committed to ensuring that the local communities benefit from the Wind Farm and will be providing a dedicated community benefit fund as well as opportunities for community shared ownership.
As part of our upcoming round of public consultations, we will be seeking the views of local communities on how the fund should be distributed and used and the interest in the opportunity of community shared ownership. More information on both elements will be provided for discussion through our public consultation.
The Wind Farm will also benefit the community through local job creation and the contribution of additional direct revenue to the local economy. The site has been optimised to ensure that these benefits are realised to their fullest extent.
Who decides how the community benefit fund will be spent?
The community benefit fund will be distributed to the most impacted communities located in the vicinity of the project. There are many different models, and it will be up to the communities to decide how they want to use the funds and how it should be distributed.
Is it mandatory for developers to offer a community benefit fund for all renewable energy projects?
No, but community benefit funds for renewable energy projects have been considered best practice since 2014 by the Scottish Government.
Is there an option for the community to own a wind turbine?
The Scottish Government is driving for shared community ownership. More information on the Scottish Government’s good practice principals in relation to shared ownership can be found here: Scottish Government Good Practice Principles - Shared Ownership.
EDPR and Wind2 will explore this with those communities that are interested in Shared Ownership. We will welcome these discussions during the consultation period.
For more information on community shared ownership, please visit Local Energy Scotland – Shared Ownership.
How much energy will the Wind Farm generate annually?
The proposals for Altnabreac Wind Farm are still at an early stage, the average household electricity consumption in Scotland is approximately 3.296MW annually (BEIS, 2022). As such, the proposed Wind Farm is expected to generate electricity equivalent to that required to power over 88,000 households in Scotland annually.
What is a grid connection?
A grid connection is a caballed connection that allows energy to be added (exported) or taken (imported) from the electricity transmission network. For more information visit: https://www.nationalgrid.com/e...
Is the Altnabreac Wind Farm grid connection dependent on new infrastructure?
Yes, it is likely the National Grid will require further infrastructure to be built to facilitate the Wind Farms connection into the system. We are working with the authorities to agree a suitable grid connection. Further information on this aspect will be available in the coming months.
What is a grid connection agreement and has one been secured?
A grid connection agreement is the contractual arrangement between Altnabreac Wind Farm and the power network to connect the energy park to the local grid. These agreements stipulate the amount of power that the grid has the capacity to take from the Wind Farm and when the power can be connected.
Altnabreac has been offered a grid connection with Scottish Power Transmission and National Grid which is being assessed at present.
EDPR and Wind2 will continue to work with the Transmission Network Owners to ascertain what cabling will be required to facilitate the find farm.
Will the grid be able to take the additional electricity produced by the proposed Altnabreac Wind Farm?
Yes, the Scottish energy networks are currently working to upgrade their infrastructure to ensure reliable energy supply across Scotland.
How will the project mitigate potential impacts to local Cultural Heritage?
A detailed Cultural Heritage Assessment will be undertaken as part of the technical appraisals which are carried out to inform the planning application and accompanying Environmental Impact Assessment. This will identify all features of cultural heritage value both on the site itself and within the vicinity which could be impacted by the project.
How much noise do wind turbines make?
The noise produced by wind turbines is affected by many different factors, including proximity, wind direction, forestry planting, landscape and topography to name a few. A full noise assessment will be conducted as part of the Section 36 application to the Energy Consents Unit and will be reviewed by the Environmental Health Department at The Highland Council prior to any consent being issued by the Scottish Ministers. The industry recognised noise level during the day is limited to an absolute level within the range of 35-40dB(A).
Positively, the technological advancements in the wind turbine industry have resulted in much more efficient, quieter turbine technology. It is now possible to fit the turbines with “serrated trailing edges” which significantly reduces the “whooshing” noise associated with wind turbines,
For more information, visit the ETSU-R-97 guidance which details the assessment & rating of noise from Wind Farms: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/+/http:/www.berr.gov.uk/files/file20433.pdf
This project will have a visual impact – what measures will be taken to seek to mitigate this / to offset this harm?
A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be carried out by independent consultants and levels of impacts will be assessment from a number of key viewpoints agreed in consultation with The Highland Council and NatureScot. ).
For more information on what a landscape and visual impact assessment is, visit the NatureScot website.
Will you consult with the wider community regarding the visual impact and construction routes?
All related planning documents including the Environmental Impact Assessment will be published on the Altnabreac Wind Farm website when it is submitted later in 2025. We encourage all stakeholders to review the information and give their feedback. There are no criteria for who can give feedback, and we welcome feedback from the wider communities.
How will the impact on local wildlife be mitigated?
The Scottish Government outlines within National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) that all development proposals should not only mitigate any impact on biodiversity, but they should contribute to the enhancement and restoration of biodiversity, including improvements to existing habitats and the connections between them where possible.
EDPR and Wind2 will deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain across the site as part of the proposals. At this stage of the process, details of how this will be achieved are still being developed. This will be fully assessed by independent consultants and the measures proposed will be outlined within the S36 application to the Energy Consents Unit.
Will the proposed wind turbines cause issues for any protected species?
A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be compiled using independent consultants which will fully comply with current detailed guidance produced by NatureScot and other relevant statutory consultees. These surveys will address the presence and behaviour of these wildlife species, among others, including their nesting and foraging habits, migration patterns, and any potential interactions with our proposed wind turbines.
The primary objective of the EIA is to thoroughly evaluate any potential adverse impacts on the flora and fauna and the environment and to develop strategies to mitigate and minimize these impacts. We are committed to working in collaboration with our independent environmental consultants, statutory consultees (such as NatureScot and SEPA), local authorities, and research groups to ensure the protection of local wildlife.
Will the project have a negative impact on the surrounding Flow Country World Heritage Site?
The Wind Farm itself lies wholly outwith the Flow Country boundary. The Wind Farm is developing its layout and infrastructure plans to minimise any impact to the habitat within its site boundary. There is an opportunity to enhance the area the project sits within to compliment the surrounding Flow Country bog habitat by returning some of the forest to its native bog and also by enhancing areas of degraded peatland. Further information on this will be available in the coming months and will be agreed through consultation with NatureScot, SEPA and the Flow Country Partnership.
How long will the construction period take and how will it be managed?
At this stage we estimate that the construction of the project could take up to two years. A draft Construction Management Plan will be produced as part of the planning application which will outline how this process will be managed. This will be agreed with the relevant authorities ahead of any construction starting on site, should planning permission be granted.
What are the proposals for access to the site and how many traffic movements are predicted as part of the construction process?
A detailed appraisal of the traffic and transport impacts of the projects will be prepared by independent transport consultants and the information will be included in the Transport Chapter that will form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Will there be full-time staff on site once constructed?
It is possible there may be full-time staff on site however this would be up to the wind farm turbine supplier to decide whether this is required. If there is not full time staff on site, it is likely there will be a local base of staff maintaining a group of wind farms in the local area. At a minimum, locally based personnel will attend the site intermittently to check operations, site security, and perform routine maintenance.
How will the site be secured? If there are cameras, how will these be used?
Whilst the proposals are still being developed, the exact details of the security that will be implemented across the site area are currently unknown. It is most likely that a number of security cameras will be used to secure the battery and infrastructure assets, but these will face directly towards these elements and would not be intended to capture the outside of the site.
Will I receive a discount on my electricity bill if I live close enough to the Altnabreac Wind Farm?
Given the early stage of the project, the details for any community benefit package are still being developed. It is not unheard of for these packages to include some locally based benefits, such as discounted energy bills, but we are unable to confirm this at this early stage. More information will be provided once it is available.
In the long-term, renewable energy projects will have a cumulative effect over time in lowering energy bills as we move away from fossil fuels.
If approved, how much will the developer receive in government funded subsidies?
While subsidies have historically been available for renewable energy projects, these stopped in 2014. As such, there are currently no subsidies available for projects of this nature.
Is it true that the government pay windfarms to stop the turbines?
There are currently curtailment payments made to wind farm operators when the energy cannot be utilised by the National Grid network. Altnabreac will be a wind farm with battery storage, which will store excess energy when it is not called for by the grid when the turbines are producing, however if there is still excess energy it is likely curtailment payments will be made.
It should be noted that the government are reviewing these payments and as the National Grid infrastructure continues to be upgraded, as such the requirement for curtailment payments will be significantly reduced.
What is the height of the proposed wind turbines and how is this decided?
The wind turbines would be up to 200m to their tip. There are number of considerations when deciding on the most appropriate height (to tip) of the turbines including landscape impacts, wildlife impacts (particularly birds) and available wind speeds.
Turbine heights above ground level are defined by either the ‘hub’ height (the ‘hub’ is the central point of the turbine where the blades are connected), and the blade length.
Where appropriate, increasing the hub height and rotor diameter of the turbines allows for access to better wind speeds, an increase in turbine efficiency (i.e., the turbine will produce more clean energy over a larger rotor diameter) and has shown to lower the overall cost of wind energy production.
Why are the wind turbines so tall?
While it may seem counterintuitive, taller turbines produce more energy and are more cost-effective in the long term. Their greater energy output means that fewer turbines are needed to maximise the output, whilst using fewer, taller turbines, reducing the overall footprint of the project, which helps to mitigate any further impact on local landscapes, wildlife habitats, and ecosystems.
Wind turbine height is measured in ‘tip height’, what does this mean?
The tip height is measured from the base of the wind turbine to the tip of the blades. This gives the height of the full turbine.
How many wind turbines are being proposed?
A total of up to 17 wind turbines are being proposed for Altnabreac Wind Farm.
Will the wind turbines have lights on them?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) require all turbines taller than 150m to be fitted with visible, red aviation lights to ensure the safety of aircraft. As a result, the Altnabreac wind turbines will require aviation lighting, although the extent of this lighting is currently unknown.
EDPR and Wind2 are looking to agree a reduced lighting scheme with the CAA, however the exact details are yet to be determined. A night time lighting assessment will be carried out as part of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment to fully understand potential impacts arising from the lights on the turbines.
EDPR and Wind2 will undertake a full consultation with the relevant authorities to agree the lighting strategy as part of the planning application.
What is a wind turbine made of?
Wind turbines are made of a variety of materials; however, they are primarily made of steel, fiberglass composites, and specialised alloys.
Steel is typically used for tower construction, gearbox components, and main shafts due to its durability and resilience. Metal alloys are utilised in generator components and various structural elements.
- Fiberglass composites are primarily used for wind turbine blades to provide durability and flexibility.
These materials are chosen to ensure durability and efficiency in capturing wind energy while withstanding environmental conditions, and to reduce wider impacts on the environment as much as possible.
Are wind turbine blades recyclable?
Approximately 96% of a wind turbine is made from materials which can be recycled.
Wind turbine blades are made from different materials however they are most commonly made with fibreglass to ensure strength and durability. Whilst these materials can pose recycling challenges, the industry is committed to working toward more sustainable solutions. For more information on the recyclability of wind turbine blades, visit Can wind turbine blades be recycled? – National Grid 2023.
Does the leading edge of wind turbines erode?
Yes, the leading edge of wind turbine blades can erode over time due to a combination of factors, including environmental conditions and aerodynamic forces exerted on the blades surface. Researchers believe that the erosion is negligible due to the measures undertaken in practice to reduce this as much as possible.
To mitigate leading edge erosion, wind turbine manufacturers and operators employ several strategies such as routine inspections and maintenance to assess the condition of the blades. The blades are also coated with protection materials, such as erosion resistant, non-toxic paint, that reduce the impact of environmental factors and extend the lifespan of the blades.
- More information can be found here:
How much waste will be washed into the soil from the wind turbines?
A negligible amount of materials are known to erode from wind turbine blades, however as technology evolves this continues to be minimised and mitigated.
Routine inspections, maintenance, and preventative measures such as coating the blades with non-toxic, erosion resistant paint all contribute to the reduction in the loss of leading-edge materials.
How efficient are wind turbines?
Wind turbine efficiency can vary depending on several factors, including the design of the turbine, wind speed, and maintenance.
On average, modern utility-scale wind turbines have a capacity factor of around 25% to 45%. This means they produce electricity at their rated capacity for about a quarter to nearly half of the time.
Who will manufacturer the Altnabreac Wind Farm wind turbines and where will the manufacture take place?
If granted planning permission, Altnabreac Wind Farm will conduct a turbine procurement exercise with a variety of turbine manufacturers to ensure that the turbines used at Altnabreac meet the specific needs and goals of the project. A number of factors are considered during this process, such as the site location, availability, total power output, cost and environmental impact of the project.
Some of the turbine manufacturers typically approached during this process include (but are not limited to) Vestas, Enercon, Nordex and Siemens Gamesa.
The location of manufacture will be dependent on the outcome of the procurement exercise and the availability of the wind turbines in line with our project deadlines and grid submission date.
How fast do wind turbines turn?
The speed at which wind turbines turn can vary depending on their design, size, and the wind conditions at their location.
A typical range for the rotational speed of the blades on a modern utility-scale wind turbine is between 10 to 20 revolutions per minute (RPM) under normal operating conditions.
Do wind turbines completely off-set their carbon footprint?
Wind turbines are generally considered a low-carbon to carbon-neutral energy source when considering their full lifecycle, from manufacturing to operation, compared to fossil fuel-based power generation.
Whether wind turbines completely offset their carbon footprint depends on various factors, including the specific turbine design, manufacturing processes, location, and the energy mix used during their construction and maintenance.
- Altnabreac Wind Farm will continue to endeavour to avoid and off-set any carbon produced as a result of the proposed development.
Each unit of renewable energy (wind and solar) generated electricity will displace a unit of conventionally generated electricity, therefore reducing emissions.
Why is battery storage needed as part of this development if the energy is being fed directly into the grid?
Battery storage forms an important part of the Scottish Governments 2030 Onshore Wind target and 2045 Net Zero target. Batteries on site will store clean energy to be fed into the grid during periods of peak demand. This helps to ensure a stable and consistent supply of energy, whilst also ensuring that no clean energy is wasted and Scotland’s energy security.
How big are the battery storage units?
Whilst the exact specifications for the battery storage are still in the early stages of development, generally a battery energy storage system consists of
Individual battery storage units arranged into rows (usually around 6m x 2.5m in size).
- Medium voltage (MV) skids (one per pair of battery storage units), each of which houses two power conversion system (PCS) units and one medium-voltage transformer.
- Ancillary infrastructure including low-voltage cabinets, auxiliary transformers and underground ducting and cabling to the wind farm sub station.
- Potential for deer fencing around the perimeter.
Indicative plans for this will be provided as part of the planning application to the Energy Consents Unit and further information on the size and specification will be known at this point.
Does battery storage pose a risk of fire or explosion?
As with any electrical device, there is minimal fire risk associated with the installation and operation of the batteries. In order to manage and mitigate this risk, Wind Farm Asset Management includes regular health and safety assessments, including fire inspections (usually weekly, or bi-weekly). Proper installation, regular inspections, and adherence to safety guidelines help mitigate this risk and the battery would be continually inspected to ensure safety isn’t compromised. A full fire risk assessment will be completed as part of the development of the project and any associated mitigation measures agreed with the relevant authorities ahead of initiating construction.
Will the battery storage produce any noise?
There is generally low level ‘humming’ and buzzing from the electrical components and fans within the storage unit, however the noise is considered to be negligible. Any potential noise from the battery will be included in the wider noise assessment work completed by an independent noise consultant with the results provided within the planning application.
What is a Section 36 planning application?
A Section 36 planning application is a formal request made to the relevant government authority to obtain consent for constructing and operating large electricity-generating stations, typically those with a capacity of more than 50 megawatts (MW). This type of application is commonly used for major energy projects such as wind farms, power stations, and other significant energy infrastructure in the UK.
Altnabreac Wind Farm will be subject to a Section 36 Application which will be submitted to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU), who will act as the relevant government authority.
How can I keep up to date with the project?
You can keep up to date with all aspects of the project by keeping an eye on the project website or by contacting the project team by emailing info@wind2.co.uk.
Are the plans being presented at the February 2025 public exhibitions the final designs?
No, the plans are at the initial stages of the project, and this is why we engaged with the local community to discuss the project, transport route and community benefit fund. We want to work in collaboration with local people, businesses and councils to ensure all stakeholders fully understand the project to an opportunity to give their opinion and feedback.
I have completed a feedback form, will my views be taken inconsideration?
Absolutely. We will work through all of the feedback and work in close collaboration with the local communities and where possible will amend our plans.
If there is negative feedback from local people regarding the project, will EDPR and Wind2 still submit a planning application?
To date, Wind2 and EDPR have committed a significant investment in the design and management of the project, as such we will submit a Section 36 application for the Altnabreac Wind farm. Once the Section 36 application has been submitted, there will be an opportunity to either support or object via the Energy Consents Unit planning portal. The project team will notify the local communities when an application is forthcoming and a link to the application will be published on this website.