Construction is underway on the extensions to ScottishPower Renewables’ Arecleoch and Kilgallioch wind farms, enhancing the energy capacity of both sites.
The approved extensions will add 13 additional turbines to South Ayrshire’s Arecleoch wind farm, and nine extra turbines to Kilgallioch wind farm (pictured) in Dumfries and Galloway.
The extensions will boost capacity to almost 485MW – enough to power the equivalent of over 300,000 homes – and supercharging the community benefit funding provided by both sites.
To date, the local communities have benefited from almost £16m in funding contributions, with this anticipated to increase to up to £31.4m across the lifespan of both wind farms.
ScottishPower Renewables’ onshore construction and operations director Ross Galbraith said: “Both Arecleoch and Kilgallioch wind farms have been integral to the renewable energy landscape in Scotland, generating enough electricity to power over 300,000 homes while delivering long-term community benefits.
“We’re proud to have invested around £200m across both projects to contribute to the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan, support local communities, jobs and supply chain opportunities, and enhance the environment and biodiversity at these sites.”
Arecleoch’s extension includes 34 hectares of peatland restoration on a previously forested site, while 25 hectares of peatland have been restored at Kilgallioch, which will undergo significant restoration within the Kirkcowan Flow Special Area of Conservation improving habitat resilience and restoring natural hydrology.
Construction is being led by Farrans, principal contractor for both sites.
Farrans’ regional director for Scotland Patrick Murray said: “We are pleased to be back on site at Kilgallioch and Arecleoch; two wind farms that Farrans has had a long history of working on with our client ScottishPower Renewables.
“These extensions will support Scotland to grow its renewable energy provision in line with its targets. We are looking forward to working alongside our local supply chain, the neighbouring community and our client to deliver this project safely and on programme.”