Golticlay Onshore Wind Farm Extension

Project Introduction

RWE is currently exploring the possibility of extending the consented Golticlay Wind Farm. The site is approximately 6km north of Lybster and 19km south west of Wick and is located next to the Golticlay Wind farm

Over a decade ago, RWE (then Innogy) explored this area for a possible Wind Farm project, previously called Stemster. In 2021, after Innogy merged with E.ON to become RWE, the project was put on hold until the neighbouring Golticlay project progressed.

We are now at the very early stages of this project and we will shortly begin a full community consultation process on our site plans.

Map of Scotland highlighting the Goltlclay Wind Farm extension with location details in a circular inset.

Click on the image to zoom

Download map

Facts & figures

Approx. 00 km

North of Lybster

Up to 00

turbines

Over 00 MW

generating capacity

Latest Information

Early assessment of the site has suggested that it could accommodate a commercial scale wind farm and as such would likely see the proposal have an installed capacity of over 50 Mega Watts.

Golticlay Wind Farm Extension (then Stemster) was scoped twice in 2018 and 2019. Now that Golticlay is consented, we felt it was appropriate to rescope this project as an extension. We have since commissioned further studies to assess the site’s suitability against other factors. Considering environmental and construction constraints, we have generated an initial turbine layout for Golitclay Extension that we are keen to share. When identifying a suitable location for a wind farm, RWE invests considerable time and effort into assessing site viability. The current site is approximately 995 hectares and consists predominantly of open moorland that is used by grazing cattle and sheep.

Therefore, in January we submitted a Scoping Opinion to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU). The Scoping Request seeks consultee feedback on the development proposals, the environmental aspects that will be addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the methodologies proposed to undertake these assessments. Importantly, the Highland Council and other consultees, including the Community Council, will have the opportunity to provide early comment and feedback.

Public Consultation

We invite you to attend our forthcoming public exhibition event, where you can view and comment on our initial proposal. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Lybster Community Centre, Main Street, Lybster, Caithness, KW3 6AE, Wednesday 10th September 2025, 13:00 – 18:00

In addition to the in-person events, all display boards will also be available to view online via this webpage. Feedback forms are available to download and can be returned via the project email address [email protected] or by post to Golticlay Wind Farm Extension, RWE, Ground Floor, Earn House, Broxden Business Park, Perth, PH1 1RA.

Exhibiton Boards

Feedback Form

Community Support

RWE is committed to supporting the communities that neighbour our wind farms. In 2022 alone community funds from wind farms operated by RWE in Scotland invested around £780,000 into local projects.

We are currently seeking input and ideas for the future Golticlay Extension community benefit fund. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions for the fund, please contact our community investment team.

* The picture on top is an example of Goole Fields Onshore Wind Farm *