New wind farm opens in north east Scotland

AN 18-turbine wind farm with the potential to power 27,000 homes has begun generating electricity for the first time in the north east of Scotland.

The new wind farm will power 27,000 homes. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The £62mn Clashindarroch Wind Farm, near Huntly, is Swedish-based Vattenfall’s second operating wind farm in Scotland.

In an average year, it will generate over 110,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy.

This would be capable of meeting the equivalent annual electricity needs of around 27,000 households and make four billion cups of tea every year.

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Based on standard industry formula, Clashindarroch would prevent the emission of over 40,000 tonnes of C02every year.

Piers Guy, Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager said: “Vattenfall wants to build a wind business in Scotland that makes a telling contribution to Scottish climate change targets, helps keep the lights on and secure a robust Scottish wind power supply chain.

“Generating first power from Clashindarroch is a significant achievement of which we are very proud. Building a wind farm of this size safely is a major engineering exercise and is testament to the skills and commitment of hundreds of workers from Chepstow to Dingwall via Grangemouth.

“The community will benefit too as generating power for the first time paves the way for significant local community investment later this year and for the next 20 years or more.”

On Friday, turbine number 18 generated first power from a wind speed of 7.8 metres per second (17 mph).

Vattenfall and turbine supplier Senvion continue commissioning work on the remaining 17 turbines.