Hammars Hill wind farm

One thing Orkney is never short of is wind. The exposed ridgelines of the West Mainland provide ideal conditions for wind energy generation, making them prime locations for wind farms. In 2010, five Enercon E45 turbines were installed at Hammars Hill in Evie, each with a generating capacity of 900 kW.

Hammars Hill was a pioneering project for Orkney because around half of its development costs were funded through local investment. Orkney Islands Council invested £1 million, using proceeds from an earlier energy-related story the Flotta Oil Terminal. The investment is reported to have delivered strong returns, with the Council’s share of profits helping to support local services across the county.

Since becoming operational, the wind farm has generated more than 200 GWh of renewable electricity, supplying clean energy to homes and businesses throughout Orkney.

Construction began in the summer of 2009, with access roads and turbine foundations completed before the end of the year. The turbines were commissioned in October 2010, and at the time one of the machines was reported to be Enercon’s most efficient turbine anywhere in the world, a testament to Orkney’s exceptional wind resource.