CWP Energy has commenced construction on the 308-megawatt (MW) Sanquhar 2 onshore wind farm, following financial close earlier this year, the company said on Thursday.
The 44-turbine project, located across Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire, is being developed with Vestas V162 EnVentus turbines and represents an estimated £800 million investment over its planned 40-year operational lifespan. Financial close was reached after the UK government’s decision in July to drop proposals for zonal electricity pricing—a move the developer said provided long-term certainty.
“Onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of home-grown electricity, delivering consumers and businesses excellent value for money,” said CWP Energy director Rod Wood. “We’re delighted that after nearly 10 years of careful planning, ground has been broken and the construction of Sanquhar 2 is now underway.”
Civil engineering works are being led by Jones Bros, with approximately 100 workers currently on site. That number is expected to increase to 200 at peak construction. Jones Bros chairman Huw Jones said nearly half the workforce has been sourced locally.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the project “demonstrates Scotland’s vital role in delivering the UK government’s clean power mission,” while Scottish Energy Secretary Gillian Martin described it as a key contribution to “securing our country’s future as a renewables powerhouse.”
Vestas, which is supplying the turbines, welcomed the project’s progress. “Sanquhar 2 marks another important step toward greater energy security through home-grown power generation in the UK,” said James Ian Robinson, senior sales director at Vestas.
The wind farm is expected to provide substantial community benefit funding and contribute to regional clean energy targets once operational.
