Tip height increase approved at Viking wind farm

A PROPOSED giant wind farm in Shetland is hoping to win in the latest Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction after gaining approval for an increase in the height of its turbines.

Viking Energy welcomed approval from Scottish ministers for a 10m increase on the originally agreed tip height of its planned 103 turbines, meaning the turbines will now reach 155m high.

A Viking Energy spokesman said: “It’s another big positive for Viking as we work towards starting construction of the wind farm next year. The increase in tip height is a relatively modest, but important, change which allows the project to choose from the latest and most efficient turbines on the market and increase the amount of renewable power that can be generated.

“In granting consent, ministers drew attention to the seriousness of climate change and reiterated their priority of cutting carbon emissions. Viking Energy looks forward to playing its part in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon future in Shetland and across Scotland.

“By installing a slightly larger turbines we will also be able to increase the amount of community benefit generated, making up to £2.2 million available annually to the communities of Shetland for the lifetime of the wind farm.”

The results of the CfD auction are expected between August and November.

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