EDF Renewables UK has partnered with Ireland’s ESB to develop and deliver the 200MW Stornoway wind farm in Scotland’s Western Isles.
The Lewis Wind Power partnership will see ESB take a 50:50 stake in the joint venture from Wood.
ESB and EDF Renewables are already joint partners in the development of the 450MW Neart Na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, which is located in the Firth of Forth and is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Stornoway Wind Farm received planning consent in 2022 for the construction of a 36-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway.
Since 2003, Lewis Wind Power has worked closely with the Stornoway Trust and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Council.
In addition to opening an office on the island in 2016 with the appointment of a dedicated stakeholder manager, Lewis Wind Power has annual sponsorship funds allocated for local projects and initiatives to benefit from.
Once the wind farm is operational, approximately £1 million a year will be saved through a dedicated community benefit fund.
Over the next 12 to 24 months, bird surveys will begin as Lewis Wind Power moves toward preparing the site for construction.
Darren Cumming, Head of Onshore Development for EDF Renewablesin the pictureHe said: “We are delighted to welcome ESB as new partners in our Lewis Wind Power joint venture.
“We are working with them on other projects, including the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, which is currently under construction in the Firth of Forth.
“We are fully committed to developing the Stornoway Wind Farm and bringing significant benefits to the local economy and communities on the island.
“This project has been ongoing for some time, and we are moving forward with development.
“The local community will start to see activity increasing over the next few years as we progress through the construction phase of the wind farm.
“We are continuing to work with the council and with the Stornoway Trust to build the wind farm and bring the associated benefits to the local economy.”
David Farrell, Head of Onshore Development at ESB, added: “We are delighted to announce our decision to join EDF Renewables as a partner in Lewis Wind Power.
“ESB aspires to become a net zero generator across the UK and Ireland by 2040 and is committed to sustainable development that respects the environment and local communities.
“One of the key influences in our decision to partner with EDF on this project is the shared values of our companies and the support of local communities to develop this wind farm.
“Scotland is very progressive in its policies to tackle climate change and ESB is delighted to continue investing in renewable energy in Scotland through this acquisition.”
