OnPath Energy, in collaboration with South Lanarkshire Council (SLC), hosted a developer forum in Hamilton, Scotland, earlier this month to identify opportunities for local economic engagement in the region’s expanding onshore wind sector.
The event aimed to “maximise economic benefits by raising awareness of supply chain opportunities for local businesses as the region prepares for up to 1.8GW of new onshore wind capacity by 2035,” according to OnPath, which led the discussions alongside SLC representatives.
The company estimated that approximately £1.2 billion will be spent on construction activities in the area over the next decade. OnPath noted that this investment presents a chance for local businesses to “capture hundreds of millions of pounds through supply chain opportunities, if properly prepared.”
Attendees included other developers active in the region, such as 3R Energy, as well as representatives from Scottish Renewables and consultancy firm Biggar Economics. The forum focused on three key workstreams: supply chain collaboration, skills and STEM engagement, and transport management planning.
Discussions covered construction timelines, meet-the-buyer events, and targeted communication campaigns aimed at raising awareness of opportunities and improving access for local businesses seeking to participate in the supply chain, OnPath said.
A follow-up forum is scheduled for later this year to continue fostering collaboration.
Robin Winstanley, OnPath’s sustainability and community director, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “We’re facing a once-in-a-generation opportunity in South Lanarkshire, but we also recognise the responsibility that comes with it. Our projects must do more than generate clean power. They must deliver real, lasting value to local communities and businesses.”
South Lanarkshire Councillor Robert Brown highlighted the significance of the forum, saying, “We recognise that the developer forum will help maximise the benefit of investment in the renewable sector in South Lanarkshire. It is key to our local communities, businesses, and residents that they benefit directly from this potentially sizeable investment through contracts, jobs, and training.”
Theo Philip, development director at 3R Energy, added, “This wasn’t just another talking shop. As a local business ourselves, we recognise the importance of delivering a significant proportion of wind farm construction contracts to local companies. With a series of projects in the pipeline, there is a massive opportunity to bring real investment and jobs to South Lanarkshire, but that won’t happen by chance.”
He concluded, “We hope that this forum will serve as a practical first step in agreeing shared timelines, aligning procurement where we can, and creating an environment where local businesses are not only aware of opportunities but ready and able to deliver. It’s about making sure this next decade of renewables brings real value to local people and the local economy.
