Farrans has been appointed by ESB to deliver the Civil Balance of Plant (CBoP) for the 96MW Chleansaid Wind Farm near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands.

The contract signals the start of delivery on one of ESB's most strategically important renewable schemes and marks its first onshore wind project in Scotland to be developed entirely by the company.

The 100% ESB-owned development will feature 16 turbines with a combined installed capacity of 96MW. It received planning permission in 2023 and has secured a 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD), providing a stable, long-term route to market for its renewable output.

Paul Lennon, Head of Renewables, ESB, said: "Reaching Final Investment Decision for Chleansaid is a major milestone for ESB and a significant step in the delivery of our renewable energy ambitions across Scotland and the UK. As our first wholly developed onshore wind project in Scotland, Chleansaid demonstrates our long-term commitment to investing in clean, secure and home-grown energy.

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"Working alongside our partners GE Vernova, Kirby Group and Farrans, we are proud to move into the construction phase of a project that will deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits for the Highlands and help accelerate the transition to a net zero future."

Stephen Gethins, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy, Scottish government, said: "This decision is a significant vote of confidence in Scotland as a place to invest in renewable energy. This reflects our desire for the energy transition to be reaching and benefitting communities across Scotland.

"Reaching Final Investment Decision marks the point at which a project moves from development into delivery, and projects like Chleansaid will play an important role in supporting economic growth, energy security and Scotland's transition to net zero including in the Highlands and elsewhere. I congratulate ESB and its partners on reaching this important milestone."

Site works are due to begin later this year, with commercial operations scheduled for 2028.

Developed by ESB's in-house team, Chleansaid is a flagship within its onshore wind portfolio and the first scheme to progress to construction from a pipeline of around 2GW across Scotland and Wales, as ESB expands its renewable capacity.

As part of the delivery strategy, GE Vernova will supply the wind turbine generators and provide long-term service support, Kirby Group will deliver the Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP), and Farrans Construction will deliver the Civil Balance of Plant (CBoP).