The Uisenis Wind Farm was approved by Scottish Ministers today (September 23)  with construction expected to begin in 2027.

The project will consist of up to 25 turbines with tip heights of up to 200 metres, located on the Eishken Estate on the Isle of Lewis.

This approval is a significant milestone for the project, which is intended to provide clean energy and benefit the local community, according to Eurowind Energy Ltd. 

Its expected expected operational date is 2030, but this depends on the successful construction and completion of the Western Isles HVDC interconnector to Ullapool and all the new lines beyond that to export the electricity.

The wind farm is considered a transformational project for the region. It will supply renewable energy to thousands of homes. The project will create a local investment pot of over £25 million during its lifespan on the basis of an £824,000 contribution to the community from the project's income. 

Heath Wylie, Senior Development Manager (UK) at Eurowind Energy Ltd, said:“This approval by Scottish Ministers is the final milestone in the planning process – and we are pleased that they have recognised the major benefits that Uisenis Wind Farm will deliver at a local, island and national level."

He added that EWE is committed to working with local partners to maximise the long-term benefits of the development, including employment and supply chain opportunities.

The site had an existing consent (under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989) for the development of the Muaitheabhal Wind Farm comprising 45 turbines with varying tip heights up to 150 m.

Uisenis Wind Farm is located on the same site as Muaitheabhal Wind Farm within the Eishken Estate. If consented, the Uisenis proposal would be built instead of the 45 turbines associated with the Muaitheabhal consent. Turbine technology has moved on since the Muaitheabhal consent and to ensure the option of using the latest onshore wind turbines, Uisenis Wind Farm is proposing to use a smaller number of larger turbines.