Grontmij grabs Banks double

Banks Renewables has appointed engineering consultancy Grontmij to oversee the pre-construction work at the 51MW Middle Muir and 104MW Kype Muir wind farm projects in South Lanarkshire.

Grontmij is to undertake data analysis to provide information for the civil engineers to be able to plan the installation of the wind turbines and electricity substations.

Banks said a factor in Grontmij’s favour was the number of people it employs locally in South Lanarkshire and the level of local knowledge and understanding that it demonstrated during the procurement process.

The contract between also guarantees the use of local sub-contractors plus a work placement for a local school-leaver – part of the Connect2Renewables charter, which outlines a commitment to the local area.

Grontmij, working from its Glasgow office, will interpret data gathered by Hamilton-based Raeburn Drilling and Geotechnical to prepare usable information for the civil engineers tasked with planning the installation of the turbines and substations.

The 26-turbine Kype Muir wind farm will be located south of Strathaven and was approved in May last year.

The 15-turbine Middle Muir will be north of Crawfordjohn and was approved in September 2014.

Grontmij senior renewables engineer Kathryn Sanders said: “We are delighted to be able to help Banks Renewables deliver on their commitments to the local area surrounding Kype Muir and Middle Muir wind farms in Scotland.”

The wind farm’s development director Colin Anderson said: “These projects have taken years of careful planning and consideration – so it is a major milestone to see them reach this stage in the journey.

“Despite not being able to award this particular contract to a small local firm, Grontmij have been very understanding of our commitments and as a result have ensured that local firms are subcontracted wherever possible, maximising the benefit to the region.”

Image: Bank’s West Durham wind farm (Steve F)