Craigneil Wind Farm

Craigneil Wind Farm

Utilising the Natural Environment to Harness Clean, Zero Carbon Energy

Craigneil Wind Farm

Utilising the Natural Environment to Harness Clean, Zero Carbon Energy

Windfarm greenery

Craigneil Wind Farm

The Craigneil Wind Farm project received consent in September 2022. ESB would like to place on record our thanks to Stonehaven & District Community Council, the Stonehaven Town Partnership and the wider community for their time and help to shape the original Craigneil Wind Farm project. Since we first introduced the proposals, we have received a warm welcome in Stonehaven and the surrounding area.  We were proud to be the headline supporter of the Feein’ Market in June 2022 and June 2023 and we have previously supported the Stonehaven Christmas Lights and Stonehaven Fireballs.

 

Craigneil Wind Farm

 

Welcome to the Craigneil Wind Farm project website.

The Craigneil Wind Farm project received consent in September 2022.  The consented Craigneil Wind Farm is for 11 turbines at 135 m in height and is located approximately 6.5 km to the north west of Stonehaven and 11 km south east of Banchory. 

The project was originally submitted into planning in Summer 2018 and took over four years for a consent.  Technology and commercial viability considerations have moved on since the original project design and we are now looking at a redesigned project of seven turbines at 180m in height.

Although fewer (and taller) turbines, the redesign will generate more renewable electricity - it will be able to generate more than the consented projects output which was equivalent to 21,846 homes.

We will aim to submit a new planning application in Autumn 2024.

Project Summary

ESB announced plans for a redesign of Craigneil Wind Farm in May 2024.  We are using environmental data from the consented development, as well as new environmental studies, to help shape the design and assess the impact of the new project.

The Craigneil Wind Farm proposal comprises:

  • Up to seven turbines, with a maximum tip height of 180m, and a generating capacity of up to 42MW. View proposed Craigneil - Site Layout.
  • On-site access tracks linking the turbines and connecting to the public road network via a mixture of new and existing roads.
  • On-site grid substation.
  • Site office and staff welfare facilities.
  • An offer of a Community Benefits Package and Community Shared Ownership.


View the development timeline 

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Public Consultation

ESB will hold exhibition events for the new Craigneil design in Stonehaven and Netherley in Summer/Autumn 2024 ahead of a planning application for the new project. We will provide more detail on the project website as well as advertise in the local press and write to neighbours with details once dates and timings have been confirmed.

We welcome to hear from residents and community groups on any queries on the new Craigneil Wind Farm project and please get in touch with the team on craigneil@esb.ie.

The Benefits of Craigneil Wind Farm

The development of Craigneil Wind Farm would bring several important benefits at both the local and national levels.

Environmental Benefits

A Climate Emergency has been declared by the Scottish Government and UK Government. If consented and constructed, Craigneil Wind Farm would:

  • provide clean, renewable energy, helping the Scottish Government reach its target for net-zero carbon by 2045.
  • generate more than the consented projects output which was equivalent to 21,846 homes..

Working collaboratively with conservation bodies, environmental specialists and landowners, ESB is committed to exploring opportunities to enhance the natural habitats local to the Craigneil Wind Farm. These will form part of ESB’s package of mitigation, offsetting and enhancement measures for the project.

Economic Benefits

During both the construction and the proposed operation of the wind farm, the Craigneil project will provide opportunities to support the local economy. A range of contracts for the construction of the Craigneil Wind Farm will be available for tender. Local companies will be encouraged to apply for contracts and given preference where possible.

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For information about the Craigneil Wind Farm project, please contact:

Sean Pearson, Project Manager, ESB Asset Development UK Ltd - E: craigneil@esb.ie

For media enquiries, please contact ESB's press office at:

T: 00353 1 702 6009 (Media Enquiries Only) / Out of Hours: 00353 87 255 7186 (Media Enquiries Only) E: corporatecommunications@esb.ie

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About Us

 

At ESB Energy, our goal is simple: to continue to actively change the energy landscape across Britain to create a brighter future. By investing in renewable energy sources and developing sustainable technologies, we're paving the way to a cleaner, brighter future for Britain and our planet.