Construction has commenced on the Sanquhar II Community Wind Farm, a significant project poised to generate enough electricity to power approximately 335,000 homes in Scotland. Located in Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire, the wind farm will comprise 44 turbines. The project, which has been in planning for nearly a decade, faced a pause in 2023 due to tax decisions by the previous UK Government. However, it has now received the green light to proceed following the Labour Government’s recent decision to abandon its ‘zonal electricity pricing’ plans.
Developer CWP Energy has asserted that the zonal pricing policy would have acted as a disincentive for the development of wind farms and other renewable energy projects across Scotland. With this hurdle cleared, Sanquhar II can now advance to financial close. Over its 40-year operational life, the project is expected to deliver over £800 million in economic benefits and offset around 540,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Upon completion, it is anticipated to become the fourth largest onshore wind farm in the UK.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “Scotland’s onshore wind sector is already creating significant economic opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country as well as supporting the drive to decarbonise our energy system and support the fight against climate change. This project is a key asset in supporting Scotland’s onshore wind ambitions and will help secure our country’s future as a renewables powerhouse.”
The resumption of the Sanquhar II project signals a renewed commitment to Scotland’s renewable energy goals. This development could spur further investment in the sector, encouraging other stalled projects to move forward. The decision to drop the zonal electricity pricing plans may also set a precedent, influencing future energy policies and potentially accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. As Scotland aims to solidify its position as a renewables leader, projects like Sanquhar II will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy landscape and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.