Construction has officially commenced on the extensions to ScottishPower Renewables’ Arecleoch and Kilgallioch windfarms, marking a significant step in enhancing Scotland's renewable energy capacity and delivering substantial environmental and community benefits.

The approved extensions will see 13 additional turbines added to the Arecleoch Windfarm in South Ayrshire and 9 new turbines at Kilgallioch Windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway. This expansion will collectively boost the windfarms' total capacity to almost 485MW, capable of powering the equivalent of over 300,000 homes across the UK.

A key aspect of these projects is the "supercharging" of community benefit funding. To date, local communities surrounding the existing windfarms have received almost £16 million in funding contributions. With these extensions, this figure is anticipated to increase significantly, reaching up to £31.4 million over the lifespan of both windfarms.

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Ross Galbraith, Onshore Construction & Operations Director at ScottishPower Renewables, highlighted the ongoing impact: "Both Arecleoch and Kilgallioch windfarms 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. We’re proud to have invested around £200 million across both projects to contribute to the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan, support local communities, jobs and supply chain opportunities, and enhance the environment and biodiversity at these sites.”

Beyond energy generation, the extensions incorporate significant environmental enhancement initiatives. Arecleoch’s extension includes 34 hectares of peatland restoration on a previously forested site. At Kilgallioch, 25 hectares of peatland have already been restored, with further substantial restoration planned within the Kirkcowan Flow Special Area of Conservation. This work aims to improve habitat resilience and restore natural hydrology in these vital ecosystems.

Farrans has been appointed as the principal contractor for both extension sites.

Patrick Murray, Regional Director of Scotland for Farrans, expressed the company's satisfaction at returning to these key 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. These extensions will support Scotland to grow its renewable energy provision in line with its targets. We are looking forward to working alongside our local supply chain, the neighbouring community and our client to deliver this project safely and on programme."