EDF Renewables’ West Benhar wind farm has been officially opened by Scottish energy minister Gillian Martin.
The 30MW West Benhar wind farm, near Shotts in North Lanarkshire, has now been fully commissioned.
The wind farm consists of seven Vestas V117 4.3MW turbines, with tip heights of 149.9m above ground level and 117-metre rotor diameters.
EDF Renewables UK has worked with Scottish and UK businesses where possible to build the wind farm, including family-run I&H Brown which completed the civil engineering works throughout and Athena on the mechanical and electrical work, including high voltage and Vestas for the construction and installation of the wind turbines.
To commemorate the opening, Martin unveiled a plaque with a number of local community groups and children from the nearby Scout unit, welcomed along for the occasion.
In addition to providing an investment boost to the local economy during development, over the project’s operational lifespan of 30 years, a dedicated Community Benefit Fund will see approximately £4.5m awarded to local projects and initiatives during this time.
Work has been progressing with local community organisations to launch the fund which will come into effect in the coming months.
Jon O’Sullivan, Director Onshore Wind, Hydrogen and Commercial and Industrial Solar for EDF Renewables UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome people from across the local area and those who have been integral to building and bringing West Benhar wind farm online.
“We take a long term approach to the wind farms we develop, recognising the importance of supporting those communities in which we operate.
“From using local suppliers where possible to working with communities throughout the lifespan of the project, we want to make sure that local people reap the benefits of having EDF Renewables UK and our wind farm nearby.”
Martin added: “The commissioning of West Benhar wind farm will benefit the community through investment in local projects for the next 30 years and supports our drive to transition to a net zero economy.
“There is a shared determination to grow Scotland’s vital wind power sector and to create green jobs across the country through our Onshore Wind Sector Deal with industry.
“This will see more communities benefiting and more economic opportunity, while ensuring developments are in harmony with our environment.”