Inch Cape Enters Virtual Reality

Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL) has used a 3D model created by SLR to communicate plans for the proposed 784MW Inch Cape offshore wind farm off the coast of Angus, Scotland.

Image source: Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL)

Created by SLR and based on the data supplied by Bluesky, the 3D interactive model allows users to ‘teleport’ around a virtual environment, viewing the proposed turbine development from the coast in the real world context of existing buildings and trees.

The model has already been used for public consultations and a visual impact study for the proposed scheme off the east coast.

According to Bluesky, the model includes an interface which allows the transfer between certain locations using a postcode search function, a scrollable map, place markers and predefined viewpoints, including places of interest and substations.

The model will also be used for an investigation of the landscape visual impact assessment of the offshore wind farm, Bluesky said.

ICOL is 100% owned by Red Rock Power, an Edinburgh-based company which is in turn owned by China’s SDIC Power Holdings.

The proposed offshore wind farm is located some 15km off the Angus coastline. The site covers an area of approximately 150km2 and will consist of up to 72 turbines.

The project is currently under development and is expected to enter construction in 2020.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court in London rejected RSPB Scotland’s petition seeking to appeal the Scottish Court of Session May 2017 decision which reinstated consent for the Inch Cape wind farm.