November 2026
We know there is considerable interest across Westray in what is happening with the community turbine.
The turbine has been, and will remain to be, an important community asset and its future deserves careful consideration. The turbine has been defective for 2 years now with a significant generator defect caused by water ingress. Work has been ongoing this summer to determine the most appropriate way forward, taking account of the technical, financial and operational issues involved.
Enercon’s repair solution required a large crane to be used due to a misalignment that occurred during installation requiring a larger, heavier lift during removal. Last year, as the proposal for repair was being worked up, Orkney Harbours reviewed the weight limits on the linkspan ramps for the ferry and reduced the load limits due to the age of the linkspan. The result of this was that the large crane required for the works had to be disassembled, transported and reassembled to carry out the work and then the same process followed upon completion. This significantly increased the costs plus, as a result of the time taken to provide the reworked solution ran out of suitable weather window last summer.
This year, Enercon went out again to get tenders for the lifting and transportation but did not report receiving any tenders. Also, they were asked to look at any alternative solutions to carry out the repair which they reported that they had a solution and wanted to stick to it. As a result of the inability of Enercon to provide an alternative solution or provide quotations for the transportation and lifting for their original solution, WRE and WDT have been looking into alternative solutions. The aim was to make sure that any next step represents a responsible use of community resources and provides a credible long-term outcome.
In the summer, WRE engaged Renewable Facilities Management Services Ltd (RFM)to conduct an independent inspection of the turbine. In September, WRE approached RFM to see if they could come up with a generator exchange solution that used a smaller crane.
RFM have provided a costed solution that enables the works to be carried out using a locally sourced crane. RFM are providing a fully refurbished generator, its hub and housing which will all be supplied fully tested and with a warranty. The turbine is currently being shipped from the Netherlands to their facility in South Wales for the refurbishment works. Once the works are complete, the equipment will be shipped to Westray and stored locally until a suitable weather window happens (such as this first week of November). Once mobilised, the works to exchange the generator, hub and housings should take 5 days. Once completed, the works will provide Westray with a fully refurbished turbine with a warranty and an extended life.
As a result of engaging a third party to conduct the repairs, the maintenance contract with Enercon is being terminated. A new Operations and Maintenance support contract is being discussed with RFM and an additional third party.
We understand the community’s desire for clarity and appreciate everyone’s patience while this work is completed.
We will provide a further public update when there is substantive information to report.
Our focus throughout is on protecting the community’s interests and securing the best achievable future for the Westray turbine.
William Bain, Chairman of Westray Renewable Energy
George Thomson, Chairman of Westray Development Trust