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 original Craigneil Wind Farm project received consent in September 2022. ESB would like to thank the Stonehaven & District Community Council, the Stonehaven Town Partnership and the wider community for their time and help to shape both the original and revised Craigneil Wind Farm project.

Since we first introduced the proposals, we have received a warm welcome in Stonehaven and the surrounding area. We are proud to be headline supporter of the Feein' Market every year from 2022 to now, in 2026. We have also proudly supported the Stonehaven Christmas Lights and Stonehaven Fireballs. 


 

Craigneil Wind Farm

Welcome to the Craigneil Wind Farm project website.

Craigneil Wind Farm is located approximately  6.5 km to the north west of Stonehaven and 11 km south east of Banchory. The project received consent in September 2022 for 11 turbines with a maximum height of 135 m following submission for planning in summer 2018.

Since the original project design, technology and commercial viability considerations have moved on and we are now progressing plans for a redesigned project of 7 turbines at 180m in height.

Although the redesigned scheme would have fewer, taller turbines, it is expected to generate more renewable electricity than the consented project, which was estimated to supply the equivalent of 21,846 homes. 

We held public exhibition events for the redesigned scheme at Mackie Academy and the former Courthouse Building in Stonehaven in June and September 2024.

In June 2026, we submitted a Section 42 planning application to vary the consented project.

Project Summary

Following consent for an 11 turbine scheme at 135 m, ESB announced plans for a redesign of Craigneil Wind Farm in May 2024.

The revised 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 → 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Consultation

We held our second round of public consultation events for the redesign of the consented Craigneil Wind Farm in September 2024. These were drop-in events at Mackie Academy and the Old Sherriff Court, Stonehaven and were a follow on from our first round of exhibitions in June 2024. Please find links below to the exhibition material for reference. 

Thank you to all the residents, community representatives and groups who took part in the events.

For any more information or to get in touch with ESB on the project, please contact ESB at craigneil@esb.ie.

Comments made to ESB at this stage do not constitute a formal planning representation. Any representations on the planning application may be submitted to Aberdeenshire Council. 

Craigneil Wind Farm Boards September 2024

Public Exhibition June 2024

Craigneil Wind Farm Feedback Form

 

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 project's 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, Craigneil Wind Farm 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:

Emma Shearer, 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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Keep up to date with the latest news relating to the Craigneil Wind Farm Development

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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.