ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) has secured the Scottish Government’s approval to build the 288MW Kilgallioch Windfarm with an investment over £400m.
Located south of Barrhill, in the south west Scotland, the wind farm will comprise 96 turbines, and provide enough electricity to power more than 170,000 homes annually.
Construction work of the onshore wind farm will commence in late 2014 or early 2015 and is likely to be completed within a period of two years.
Kilgallioch wind farm will become the company’s second largest onshore wind project, after the 539MW Whitelee Windfarm, which is the largest onshore windfarm in the UK.
Kilgallioch is projected to have an operational life of 25 years.
The company is yet to sign contracts for turbine maintenance and other services.
ScottishPower Renewables CEO Keith Anderson commented that Kilgallioch wil significantly reduce carbon emissions in both Scotland and the UK.
“It represents a major investment in new electricity generation in Scotland, and will sustain hundreds of jobs during construction, helping to boost the local and regional economy in South West Scotland.
“Prior to the construction work starting, we will look to engage with local businesses and suppliers, to see how we can get them involved in the project,” Anderson said.
ScottishPower Renewables manages over 1,200MW of wind power in the UK, and has invested beyond £1bn in the past 10 years.
“Between 2012 and 2014 we are investing a further £1.3billion in Renewables in the UK and projects like Kilgallioch are evidence of our commitment to major renewable energy projects,” Anderson added.
