A Caithness onshore wind farm is set to be one of the first in the country to operate for 40 years.
The lifespan of commercial turbine ventures has generally been limited to 25 years under a condition of their planning consent.
That was the case for Watheger 2 Limited when its scheme 2.5 miles east of Watten went live last year.
But the firm has applied for a 15-year extension in the operation of the nine turbines.
Its bid is being tabled at today’s meeting of Highland Council’s north planning committee when members are being recommended to give the go-ahead.
The firm says the extension is justified by improvements in turbine technology.
Planning official Claire Farmer sees no reason to oppose the application.
She states: “There is no reason to suppose that turbines could not have a useful extended life after a manufacturer’s warranty expires.
“The key thing would be to ensure that any approval for an extended period of planning permission has sufficient safeguards to ensure that the turbines continue to operate effectively; all mitigation is sustained for the full operational life of the wind farm; and the provisions for turbine failures and final removal are continued.”
Should the application be approved, the company would be expected to continue contributing to the community benefit fund linked to the development.
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