Construction begins on wind farm that will power 335,000 homes

The 44-turbine wind farm is being built in Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire

Construction work has begun on a wind farm in the south of Scotland that will generate enough electricity to power about 335,000 homes.

The Sanquhar II Community Wind Farm will become the UK's fourth largest onshore wind farm when it becomes operational in August 2026, according to developers CWP Energy.

The 44-turbine farm, which is being built in Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire, is set to deliver more than £800m in local investment over its 40-year operational life.

The development was paused in 2023 due to tax decisions by the previous UK government but can now go ahead.

This is due to the current UK government dropping its plans for "zonal energy pricing".

CWP Energy has said the development will generate hundreds of jobs during the building phase, and plans for almost 50% of the workforce to be sourced locally.

The company said hundreds of jobs were being generated during the construction phase

Director Rod Wood said: "Onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of home-grown electricity, delivering consumers and businesses excellent value for money.

"We're delighted that after nearly 10 years of careful planning, ground has been broken and the construction of Sanquhar II is now under way.

"The project brings with it an investment of an immediate £400m into the Scottish economy, creating long-term jobs, and paying local authority rates, taxes and community benefits."

He added: "We're grateful to the Scottish government for backing Sanquhar II and to the UK government for creating confidence in the renewables sector."

CWP Energy said the farm, which has been nearly 10 years in the planning, will offset about 540,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: "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."

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray welcomed the development, which he said "demonstrates Scotland's vital role in delivering the UK government's clean power mission".

He said reformed national pricing would ensure the benefits of clean power were felt by communities across the country, while giving businesses stability and certainty to continue investing to upgrade infrastructure.

He added that this would boost national energy security, help to create thousands of skilled jobs, and boost the economy.

Huw Jones, chairman of Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, set out the positive impact the construction phase of the development will have on the local economy.

"Currently on site, we are averaging 100 personnel per day, with the expectation for this to rise to 200," he said.

"We are utilising local contractors and suppliers where we can, and almost 50% of our workforce are from the local area, with many others utilising the accommodation facilities within the surrounding towns and villages."