About the Project
The proposed Carn na Saobhaidh Wind Farm is located approximately 10km south of Farr in the Highlands.
Click on the image to enlarge
Based on our initial studies, the wind farm would comprise of up to 29 turbines up to tip height of 200m, resulting in an overall site generating capacity of 208.8MW. This is enough to power almost 259,0001 homes with clean, low cost electricity every year.
Having undertaken initial site feasibility work we are now preparing for more detailed environmental and technical site survey work which will be carried out over the coming months to help inform the design. In line with this, we have recently submitted a Scoping Report to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU), which sets out and seeks feedback on the proposed scope of environmental assessment work.
You can view or download a copy of the Scoping Report by clicking on the links below:
- Scoping Report
- Figure 1.1 Site Location Plan
- Figure 4.1 Proposed Development
- Figure 6.1 Study Area and Site Location
- Figure 6.2 Landscape Character
- Figure 6.3 Landscape Designations
- Figure 6.4 Wildland Areas
- Figure 6.5 Visual Receptors
- Figure 6.6 Visual Receptors - 20km Study Area
- Figure 6.7 Cumulative Wind Farms
- Figure 6.8 Blade Tip ZTV
- Figure 6.9 Hub Height ZTV
- Figure 7.1 Cultural Heritage Designations
- Figure 8.1 Ecological Designated Sites, Ancient Woodland, Peatland within 5km
- Figure 9.1 Ornithological Survey Areas (April 2022 August 2023)
- Figure 9.2 Ornithological Survey Areas (September 2023 Onwards)
- Figure 9.3 Ornithological Design
The Scoping Report and supporting information will also be available on the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit website at www.energyconsents.scot
As part of the planning process, RES will undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The purpose of the EIA is to investigate and alleviate any potential effects of a development on the natural, physical and human environment. An EIA includes the following assessments:
- Landscape & Visual
- Archaeology & Cultural Heritage
- Ornithology
- Ecology
- Hydrology, Hydrogeology & Geology
- Traffic & transport
- Noise
- Socioeconomics
The results of these surveys will be included in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report which will form part of any planning application that is submitted.
1 The 258,636 homes equivalent figure has been calculated by taking the predicted annual electricity generation of the site (based on RES assessments Carn na Saobhaidh has a predicted capacity factor of 45.8%) and RES’ predicted site generation capacity of 208.8MW) and dividing this by the annual average electricity figures from DESNZ showing that the annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239 kWh (January 2024). Final wind farm capacity will vary depending on the outcome of planning permission and the turbine type selected.