RENEWABLE energy firm Vattenfall is set to build the UK’s largest onshore wind farm in Scotland.
Planned near Dalmellington and between East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, South Kyle the wind farm will generate enough energy to power 170,000 homes.
Swedish company Vattenfall has entered a partnership with Greencoat UK Wind, who will acquire the wind farm following its completion.
Vattenfall will construct the wind farm and will manage the asset on behalf of Greencoat for a minimum of 10 years.
The deal will enable delivery of a £38 million community benefit investment over the lifetime of the wind farm.
Carol Kane, local liaison officer for Vattenfall, said: “South Kyle Wind Farm will bring great opportunities with significant community benefit investment in the local area.
“Besides providing regular updates on the progress of the project, Vattenfall is also committed to engaging and working with local communities, particularly in relation to shaping the community benefit investment but also in supporting skills development, local supply chain and the environment.
“We look forward to working with the local community and will be sharing further information in the coming weeks.”
A timeline for construction is yet to be confirmed but Vattenfall said it is continuously monitoring precautions concerning Covid-19 and currently plan for the wind farm to be operational Q1 2023.
Frank Elsworth, UK Onshore head of market development, said: “We are delighted that our agreement with Greencoat UK Wind means we can fulfil our commitments to the local community and contribute to major investment in the area.
“Onshore wind in Scotland has the potential to make a significant contribution to reaching net zero and is the cheapest form of renewable energy generation that brings us closer to that goal.”
