By Brian Donnelly Business Correspondent
Scottish civil-engineers will lead the construction of the country’s newest
onshore wind farm following the award of a £67 million contract by Vattenfall.
Glasgow-based RJ McLeod will deliver roads and access tracks, electrical
infrastructure, turbine foundations and other infrastructure at South Kyle
wind farm in East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
Located around two miles to the east of Dalmellington, South Kyle will be
Swedish state-owned company Vattenfall’s largest onshore wind farm in the
United Kingdom.
At the peak of construction, the project will require around 150 workers on
site, and once operational the 240MW wind farm will make a significant
contribution to Scotland’s net-zero ambitions – powering 170,000 homes and
saving 300,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, the equivalent of
taking 65,000 cars off the road each year.
The contract award marks a significant investment in the Scottish
construction industry.
It will be the fourth major Vattenfall project undertaken by RJ McLeod, and
continues Vattenfall’s commitment to the Scottish supply chain.
This extends to the local economy, with both Vattenfall and RJ McLeod
committed to developing opportunities for local sub-contractors and
suppliers wherever possible, whilst creating jobs and career opportunities
within the renewable and low carbon energy sector.
Frank Elsworth, Vattenfall’s UK development director, said: “Constructing a
wind farm is about so much more than just building a green power station.
This is about creating and sustaining an industry that offers people a real
future in a rewarding career.
“As well as bringing fossil-fuel free living a step closer, we want to
ensure that businesses close to our wind farms have the chance to take full
advantage of the opportunities developments like South Kyle can create.
“We’re delighted to be working with RJ McLeod again. Their knowledge and
expertise will provide further reassurance that South Kyle will be a
responsibly built asset to the local area, powering approximately 170,000
homes with green electricity and driving forward Scotland’s emission
reduction ambitions.”
Bruce Clark, Joint Managing Director, RJ McLeod, said: “We’re delighted to
be awarded the contract to construct South Kyle Wind Farm. This is our
fourth project with Vattenfall who recognise the skills and experience of
our staff and operatives as well as our track record of using local
resources and we look forward to jointly delivering this important energy
asset.”
The works at South Kyle Wind Farm will consist of the construction of 50
reinforced concrete wind turbine foundations and associated crane
hardstandings, construction or upgrade of approximately 48km of access
tracks, a 132/33kV substation, a 4.5km 132kV cable connection, and the 33kV
cables to connect the substation to the wind turbines.
The start date for construction is yet to be confirmed but preparatory
works are anticipated to begin next month. Vattenfall said it is
continuously monitoring precautions concerning Covid-19 and will continue
to follow government guidance.
The wind farm is expected to start generating electricity by early 2023
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