Major wind farm contract awarded to local firm

A £14.m. construction contract for Orkney Islands Council’s six-turbine wind farm at Quanterness outside Kirkwall has been awarded to local firm Heddle Construction.

The Balance of Plant (BOP) contract includes final design, building of civils and electrical works in advance of turbine installation.

The contract has been awarded following a competitive tendering process.

The project – in development since 2019 – was unanimously backed by elected members in February last year and will see six 149.1m turbines built at the site in St. Ola, situated between Kirkwall and Finstown.

The 28.8MW wind farm will generate electricity which will be exported via the new interconnector. By exporting this electricity, the project will provide the Council with much need income to protect and enhance existing services.

In October last year it was announced that the Council had secured the backing of the National Wealth Fund for the project through a loan covering the cost of the project

Nordex were announced as the turbine suppliers in August last year - Turbine Contracts Awarded for Quanterness Wind Farm 

Founded in 1972 by Ian Heddle and now led by his son Derek, Heddle Construction employ over 20 staff in their Kirkwall base.

Initially created to construct farm buildings, the firm has expanded over 50+ years adding a variety of specialised services to their portfolio.

Their crane hire operation is perhaps the most visible element of their business, with their distinctive blue fleet of Liebherr machines engaged on projects throughout Orkney.

In recent years they have firmly established themselves as experts in the renewable energy field, offering a range of vital services to the wind and marine power sectors.

Derek Heddle is Managing Director of Heddle Construction – he said:: “As a long-standing local business with a proven track record in renewable energy, we are delighted to be awarded the Balance of Plant contract for this landmark project. Given its scale, we are immensely proud to keep delivery in local hands, setting a clear benchmark for future developments. We look forward to partnering with Orkney Islands Council to deliver a high-quality, locally led project that continues to invest directly in Orkney’s workforce and skills.”

Council Leader Heather Woodbridge said: "I’m delighted that this significant contract has been awarded to Heddle Construction, a well-established local company with a strong track record of delivering major infrastructure and renewable energy projects across Orkney. Securing a local contractor for such an important stage of the development means the economic benefits of the project will be felt here in our communities, supporting local jobs, businesses and supply chains throughout the construction phase.

"The Orkney Community Wind Farms project represents a major investment in Orkney’s future. As well as generating renewable energy that will contribute to Scotland’s and the UK’s net zero ambitions, it will provide a long-term source of income for the Council, helping to protect and enhance the services our communities rely on.

“This contract award, along with the supplier engagement event which took place last month, demonstrates our commitment to maximising opportunities for local businesses and ensuring the benefits of the wind farm are shared as widely as possible across Orkney."

For further information on the Orkney Community Wind Farms projects please visit https://orkneywindfarms.co.uk/