Scotland’s first commercial windfarm has been repowered, and now is rated at five times the original capacity with a reduction in turbines from 26 to 14. The site’s capacity is now 79MW.
The turbines of ScottishPower Renewables’ Hagshaw Hill windfarm started turning in 1995.
ScottishPower Renewables worked to find a solution to an industry-wide challenge. The original turbine blades are being recycled by Plaswire into new materials for construction – replacing concrete, timber and plastics. Andrew Billingsley, chief executive of Plaswire, said, “We’re pleased to have been awarded this significant contract to recover the Hagshaw Hill blades and return these materials back into industry. Plaswire’s recycling process diverts waste from incineration, reducing CO2 emissions and replacing high carbon construction products.”
Charlie Jordan chief executive of ScottishPower Renewables said, “Hagshaw Hill started Scotland’s wind revolution – and now it’s back online, supercharged and ready to lead the next chapter.
“We’re proud of what this site represents: powering homes, powering communities and powering Scotland’s clean energy future.”
From turbine technicians to local contractors, over 100 jobs have been supported during the decommissioning and repowering of Hagshaw Hill.
With higher output, the community benefit fund is increasing to deliver nearly £400,000 annually to Coalburn, Douglas, Lesmahagow and Rigside & Douglas Water.