Limekiln scheme is ‘really good for economic growth’ while boosting energy security
“Home-grown” power from Limekiln wind farm will play an important part in boosting UK energy security, according to a spokesman for Scottish Renewables.
Jack Norquoy, director of communications at the industry body, was among the guests on Friday at the official opening of the 24-turbine project built by renewable energy firm Boralex outside Reay.
Mr Norquoy, who hails from Orkney, said: “It’s a cornerstone project for Boralex in terms of its operations in the UK and it comes at a really important time.
“We are trying to deploy more projects, both onshore and offshore. It’s about reducing the volatility in our energy system so that we don’t experience the spikes in energy costs that we’ve had in recent years.
“This is about having home-grown energy here in Scotland that will help to create energy security.
“It’s also really good for economic growth, and with projects like this we want there to be a tangible benefit – both to the country, in terms of our energy security and the economy, but there will be a community benefit fund out of this project as well.
“This is a project that has involved local supply chains and that’s what we want to see more of.”
Community benefit funding of £540,000 a year is being made available from 2026, index-linked over the 40-year life of the wind farm. Most of it will be managed by Caithness Chamber of Commerce to support projects within the Dounreay travel-to-work area.
From that annual pot, £50,000 will go directly to the community of Caithness West.