Client: Fred. Olsen Renewables
Location: Fort Augustus, Scottish Highlands
Date: 2021—ongoing
The proposed development is on the Culachy Estate approximately 900m south of Fort Augustus. The proposal is to develop eight wind turbines with tip heights of up to 200m and a battery storage facility of 10MW. The total capacity of the proposed development is 57.6MW.
The site was selected for its strong wind resource, 3km+ from residential properties to the nearest turbine and the opportunity for biodiversity enhancement and genuine community engagement and benefit (estimated at £288,000 per year or £10m in total over 35 years).
Our Role:
ITPEnergised led the delivery of EIA Scoping and Gatecheck reports, supported with statutory and public consultation, led extensive design iteration, and led the delivery and review of the EIA Report. Our in-house technical teams led and authored the hydrology and noise assessments, while all other technical disciples were led by trusted external consultants appointed by either ITPEnergised or Fred. Olsen Renewables.
Collaboration and good communication across the technical teams was crucial in ensuring positive environmental outcomes. Working closely with client and specialist teams allowed the development of an extensive biodiversity enhancement plan and meaningful pre-application consultation with statutory consultees resulted in reduced scope of assessments included in the EIA.
Key Constraints and Complexities:
- The Corrieyairack Pass, Military Road Scheduled Monument runs north-east of the proposed turbines. Five designated sections of the pass subject to detailed setting assessment.
- The proposed turbines lie within a Wild Land Area. This required special consideration in design and assessment.
- The full site comprises class 1 peatland. Additional rounds of peat surveys were required resulting in extensive design iterations.
Outcome:
The Section 36 application was submitted to the Scottish Government in November 2023 and is currently under consideration.
Download the Culachy Wind Farm – Environmental Impact Assessment case study PDF here.
