Thorkell wind turbine, Deerness
Locally owned energy in action
Key Facts
The Thorkell turbine is an Enercon E44 (900kW output) and is located at Upper Stove in Deerness. Thorkell Renewable Energy Ltd was set up as a subsidiary to Orkney Renewable Energy Ltd. On the same ethos as the Burray turbine, attracted investment from a further four local shareholders. The turbine was commissioned in 2012.
The Deerness turbine produces an average output of 322kW per hour, a capacity factor of 36%, and between 2012 and the end of 2025 has generated more than 39,000 MWh of electricity into the local grid.
The Deerness project was fully funded by local investment, to ensure revenues remain within Orkney, and community payments are made each year to the Thorkell Community Trust and other local organisations, including schools and charities.
