Burgar Hill on Orkney Mainland was deliberately chosen as a test site for wind turbines because it is one of the windiest onshore sites in Europe!
The earliest onshore wind turbines were tested here in the early 1980s in a variety of guises. One of the earliest was built with the lower part of the tower constructed of concrete - a design which didn't survive developments in the industry.
Today, Thrive Renewables operate a single wind turbine here, alongside a selection of other discrete projects, harnessing the amazing wind resource and exporting it to the national grid for distribution to wherever it is needed. The turbine we chose for this site was a Class I turbine which is specifically designed to maximise the potential from consistently high and turbulent winds. The name "Sigurd" is that of a legendary hero from the ancient Norse stories which are renowned on the islands.
| Turbines | Nordex N60 |
|---|---|
| Number of turbines | 1 |
| Maximum tip height | 76 metres |
| Site capacity | 1.3 MW |
| Operational since | 2002 |
| Annual forecast output | 5.1 GWh |
| UK homes equivalent | 1,292 |
News
Wind energy has the power to help deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and deliver economic growth. This film celebrates the difference wind power has made to a rural community.
Posted: 14 Jun 2019
News
Thrive Renewables wins prestigious Renewable Energy Association award for the second time.
Posted: 12 Jun 2019
Events
This year’s AGM is taking place on Saturday 15 June at 11.00am at The Watershed, Bristol.
Posted: 11 Jun 2019
There are a variety of methods to work out your own carbon footprint including a simple to use calculator at www.carboncalculator.co.uk
The number of shares you own is printed on your Thrive Renewables share certificate(s)
