Construction has begun on one of the UK’s most significant renewable energy projects, the Sanquhar II Community Wind Farm, which will become the country’s fourth largest onshore wind farm when completed next year.
The £800 million development, spanning Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire, will feature 44 turbines capable of generating enough electricity to power about 335,000 homes. It is expected to be operational by August 2026.
Developer CWP Energy confirmed the project will create hundreds of jobs during its construction phase, with almost half of the workforce to be sourced locally. Once complete, the farm is forecast to offset around 540,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, contributing significantly to Scotland’s net-zero targets.
The project had been stalled since 2023 due to concerns over UK Government energy pricing policy, but progress resumed following the scrapping of “zonal energy pricing” earlier this summer.
Rod Wood, director of CWP Energy, said: “Onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of home-grown electricity, delivering consumers and businesses excellent value for money. After nearly 10 years of planning, we’re delighted to see ground finally broken on this project.”
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The scheme is expected to bring an immediate £400 million boost to the Scottish economy, alongside long-term community benefits, tax revenues and infrastructure investment.
Vestas, the turbine supplier, said the development marks “an important step towards UK energy security through home-grown power generation”.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray also welcomed the project, calling it a demonstration of Scotland’s “vital role in delivering the UK Government’s clean power mission”.
