The development of Mill Rig Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of deliveries for the longest turbine blades ever installed at a UK onshore wind farm. Measuring 80 metres in length, the blades are being transported to the site as part of the construction of the 33.4MW facility by developer OnPath Energy.

Once the six state-of-the-art turbines are fully operational, they will generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 45,000 homes and displace approximately 27,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. To ensure minimal disruption to the local area, deliveries have been scheduled to take place overnight ahead of the site's planned energisation this summer.

The new turbines feature tip heights of 199.5 metres. Due to their higher rated power and blades that sweep 50% more area than those at the nearby Kype Muir Extension, these units are expected to produce around 33% more energy, increasing the overall renewable yield and community benefits.

Jules Rankin-Perez, head of construction at OnPath Energy, said: "The arrival of these blades is a defining moment for the Mill Rig project. Their scale is remarkable, but more importantly, they represent a step change in how efficiently we can generate renewable energy. By using the latest turbine technology, we are able to deliver more clean power from fewer turbines, which benefits both the environment and the local community."

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The complex logistical operation is being managed by specialist haulage teams in coordination with South Lanarkshire Council, Renfrewshire Council, and principal contractors including RJ McLeod, Nordex, and McFadyen. Turbine manufacturer Nordex, which specialises in the 4 to 7 MW market and has installed 65 GW of capacity globally, is supplying the units.

Jason Welch, regional vice-president and managing director of Nordex UK & Ireland, commented: "This underlines how quickly turbine technology is advancing and the role it plays in delivering more efficient, higher-yield renewable energy projects. We're proud to be working with OnPath on this project which will generate significant clean electricity, strengthen energy security and create lasting benefits for local communities."

Natural Power is providing Owner's Engineer services, overseeing technical management, design safety, and contractor coordination. Angie Smith, senior construction project manager at Natural Power, added: "Natural Power is delighted to be supporting OnPath with the delivery of Mill Rig Wind Farm. The arrival of the first blade set to site is a major milestone for the project and is testament to the collaboration and cooperation of the whole project team. We will continue to monitor the progress of works and quality compliance throughout the construction phase and look forward to the completion of the turbine installation and commissioning works before handing over to operations."

Beyond energy generation, the Mill Rig project is supporting approximately 300 jobs, with an estimated £91 million in contract value awarded to businesses within 60km of the site. It also includes a £5 million community benefit fund to support local groups and environmental initiatives throughout the wind farm's lifespan.

Jules Rankin-Perez concluded: "Mill Rig is not only about generating renewable energy, but also about delivering long-term value for the communities around it. This project will provide significant investment into the local area, support jobs across the supply chain and contribute to the Scottish Government's ambitions to deliver 20GW of onshore wind by 2030."