Met Mast Information Event in Portnahaven
SSE Renewables (SSER) would like to invite Islay residents to attend our forthcoming drop-in event in Portnahaven to provide further information on our met mast proposal for Orsay Island.
Members of the SSER Islay project team will be on hand to answer any questions and explain the details of our met mast site selection process and met mast application.
The event will be held in the Rhinns Hall, Portnahaven on Tuesday 14th May 2013 from 4pm-7pm.
A copy of our advert is available to download below. Hard copies can be posted by request using the contact details here. The event will also be publicised in the Saturday 4th May edition of the Ileach.
We very much look forward to seeing you there.
For further information on the event, please contact our Community Liaison Officer, Kirstanne McDowall.
Project information
Following a detailed review of the project processes, the development programme for the proposed Islay Offshore Wind Farm has been realigned while we work through the wider project risks and issues including securing a suitable grid connection and confirmation of the site boundary. Please find below a copy of our proposed site boundary map, in the “More Information” section, outlining the increased boundary line to the north west of the original site. This change was considered to mitigate concerns about the constructability and operability in the south of the site due to sea and seabed conditions and to increase flexibility in site design.
SSE will be progressing, with the EIA and consent application planned for submission next year. This will allow for closer alignment with the associated transmission works schedule. We will continue to take forward the planning application for the met mast on Orsay Island which, if consented, will allow collection of wind data. This data will be used to assess the financial and technical feasibility of the wind farm, and will facilitate progress on the offshore wind farm consent application next year. A photomontage of what the met mast might look like is available in the “More Information” section below.
The pre-submission public exhibitions that were previously planned for summer 2013 are expected to be held next year (2014) and the extended socio economic study, exploring project benefits and impacts, will commence once work on the EIA begins again in 2014. It is with regret that we are unable to embark upon the socio-economic study this year. It is not possible to undertake a meaningful and realistic study until wider project risks have been addressed and the offshore EIA programme is inputting into the study process. We remain committed to delivering as much local economic benefit through the project as possible, and the community will be firmly involved in the socio-economic consultation process when this begins.
SSE Renewables is committed to the Islay Offshore Wind Farm and we continue to work with local stakeholders and keep the community informed as progress is made on the project in the coming months. Consultation for the Islay project is ongoing and we are keen to continue our engagement and build productive working relationships with the local community.
If you would like further information, or have any questions, please contact Kirstanne McDowall, Community Liaison Manager. We would be delighted to hear from you.