A new windfarm in Moray, located near Keith, has received approval despite objections from a competing windfarm operator who claimed their wind would be stolen.
An existing windfarm situated just 450 yards away asserted that the new turbines will disrupt the airflow from their own turbines. They argued that the new windfarm would have a “direct detrimental effect” on their renewable energy goals and create a “negative economic effect.”
In response, the developers of the new windfarm labeled their competitor’s request to halt their plans as “excessive and arguably perverse.”
Councillors approved the four-turbine windfarm after determining that the complaints from the nearby developer were insignificant.
Once up and running, the new windfarm will be visible from Keith.
Koehler Renewable Energy, the windfarm company, accused fellow renewable energy developers EDPR of having a “direct detrimental effect” on their existing windfarm close to Keith.
The legal team at Addleshaw Goddard stated that the newly approved windfarm will create a “wake effect,” which will divert the wind away from their turbines located just 450 yards away.
Koehler projected that the new turbines would result in a 2% “loss of generation” each year, leading to a “negative economic impact” and impeding their ability to meet net zero targets.
They argued EDPR should be required to take “all reasonable steps to minimise as far as possible the impact of wake effects on the Edintore Windfarm”, and had not done so.
They continued that putting windfarms too close to each other was a “known industry issue” both on and offshore.
The letter did not address the overall net zero implications should EDPR’s windfarm proposal be denied.
Koehler’s six-turbine Edintore windfarm was initially rejected but received approval in 2012 after an appeal to the Scottish Government. It became operational in 2017, and in 2023, Moray Council extended its operation until 2041.
Understanding the Wake Effect
The wake effect occurs when wind passes through turbine blades, causing the wind to slow down and become more turbulent behind the turbines. This turbulence can extend for considerable distances, with recent research suggesting that under stable atmospheric conditions, wakes from large offshore wind farms can reach up to 55 kilometres downwind. For onshore developments, the effect is typically less extensive but can still significantly impact nearby installations.
According to recent studies, wake effects can reduce power generation at affected wind farms by between 30% and 38% in some cases. Even at relatively modest separation distances, the phenomenon remains significant. Research indicates that at separation distances of around three kilometres between wind farm clusters, additional electricity production losses of approximately 0.5 percentage points can occur.
Legal Response
In their reply, representatives for Portuguese developer EDP Renewables stated that the “commercial interests” of another developer are not the concern of EDPR or the council.
Legal firm Burness Paull argued that Koehler’s claims of a 2% loss in energy generation were “de minimis,” meaning they are too insignificant to warrant concern.
They asserted that all appropriate planning regulations had been adhered to and described any requirements to demonstrate that Koehler’s access to local wind was being affected as “excessive and arguably perverse.”
Despite these concerns, Councillors unanimously approved the new wind farm.
The Keith Area’s Wind Farm Concentration
The Keith area in Moray has become a significant hub for wind energy development, partly due to its proximity to major grid infrastructure. The Blackhillock Substation, located approximately 1.5 kilometres south of Keith, is the UK’s largest substation covering an area equivalent to 24 football pitches. It serves as the connection point for multiple major renewable energy projects, including the 882 MW Moray West offshore wind farm and the 177 MW Dorenell wind farm.
