ScottishPower Renewables has completed a significant repowering project at Hagshaw Hill, Scotland’s first commercial wind farm, demonstrating the potential for older sites to play a pivotal role in the country’s clean energy transition. The upgrade has boosted the site’s output fivefold, from 15MW to over 79MW, while reducing the number of turbines from 26 to 14. The South Lanarkshire site, operational since 1995, now powers approximately 57,000 homes, showcasing the advancements in wind turbine technology and capacity.
Charlie Jordan, chief executive of ScottishPower Renewables, underscored the project’s significance, stating, “Hagshaw Hill started Scotland’s wind revolution – and now it’s back online, supercharged and ready to lead the next chapter.” The repowering process supported over 100 jobs, highlighting the economic benefits of such projects. Moreover, the company has pioneered a recycling initiative, with every blade from the original turbines being repurposed by Plaswire into new construction materials, replacing concrete, timber, and plastics. This innovation underscores the industry’s growing focus on circular economy principles.
The upgrade also delivers a substantial increase in annual community funding, from £15,000 to nearly £400,000, benefiting the local communities of Coalburn, Douglas, Lesmahagow, and Rigside & Douglas Water. Iain Lindsey, chair of the Community Development Lanarkshire and Rigside (CDLR) trust, expressed enthusiasm for the increased funding, noting, “This will enable us to support even more projects that will make a real difference to people’s lives and leave a lasting legacy in our area.”
The Hagshaw Hill repowering project serves as a model for the wind industry, illustrating how older sites can be revitalized to meet modern energy demands while minimizing environmental impact. As Scotland continues to push towards its ambitious renewable energy targets, such projects will be crucial in driving the sector forward. The focus on recycling and community benefits further emphasizes the holistic approach needed to ensure sustainable and equitable energy development. This development could spur similar initiatives across the UK, encouraging other operators to invest in repowering older wind farms, thereby extending their operational life and enhancing their contribution to the energy mix. The emphasis on community funding and local job creation also sets a precedent for how wind farm operators can foster positive relationships with host communities, ensuring broader societal support for renewable energy projects.