ScottishPower Renewables has commenced construction on the approved extensions of its Arecleoch and Kilgallioch wind farms in Scotland, aimed at increasing renewable energy capacity and boosting long-term community funding.
The expansion will see 13 turbines added to the Arecleoch site in South Ayrshire and nine turbines to the Kilgallioch site in Dumfries and Galloway. Once completed, the total capacity across both wind farms will reach nearly 485 megawatts (MW), generating enough electricity to supply more than 300,000 homes.
“Both Arecleoch and Kilgallioch wind farms have been integral to the renewable energy landscape in Scotland, generating enough electricity to power over 300,000 homes while delivering long-term community benefits,” said Ross Galbraith, onshore construction and operations director at ScottishPower Renewables.
ScottishPower Renewables estimates that community benefit funding associated with the two projects will rise from £16 million to £31.4 million over the lifespan of the wind farms.
The development also includes environmental enhancements. At Arecleoch, 34 hectares of peatland will be restored on previously forested land, while Kilgallioch will see 25 hectares restored within the Kirkcowan Flow Special Area of Conservation to improve biodiversity and natural water systems.
Construction is being led by civil engineering firm Farrans, which has previously worked on both wind farm projects.
“We are pleased to be back on site at Kilgallioch and Arecleoch; two wind farms that Farrans has had a long history of working on with our client ScottishPower Renewables,” said Patrick Murray, regional director for Scotland at Farrans. “These extensions will support Scotland to grow its renewable energy provision in line with its targets.
ScottishPower Renewables said it has invested approximately £200 million into the two projects, contributing to the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 strategy and supporting jobs, local supply chains, and environmental goals.
