Hagshaw Hill repowered after 30 years
Fewer turbines now generate five times more capacity at Scotland’s first commercial wind farm.
Image for illustrative purposes
Scotland, Lanarkshire: ScottishPower Renewables has completed the repowering of the Hagshaw Hill wind farm in South Lanarkshire, thirty years after the original site helped launch Scotland’s commercial wind sector. The modernised facility replaces 26 older turbines with 14 higher-capacity models, increasing total output to more than 79 MW.
The upgrade enables the site to produce around five times more electricity than before, despite having just over half the number of towers. The capacity is equivalent to the annual consumption of about 57,000 homes. Repowering is seen as a key route to meeting Scotland’s 2030 onshore wind ambitions by using locations that already have proven wind resources, grid connections and community partnerships.
More than 100 jobs were supported during decommissioning and construction activities. A major feature of the project is the recycling of turbine blades from the original machines. Plaswire, the company appointed to handle the material, will convert the blades into new construction products, avoiding incineration and reducing demand for higher-carbon alternatives such as concrete and timber.
Community funding linked to the wind farm will rise to nearly $526,000 (£400,000) per year for Coalburn, Douglas, Lesmahagow and Rigside & Douglas Water, representing a twenty-six-fold increase.
ScottishPower Renewables said the project marks the next chapter in the site’s role in Scotland’s energy transition, while local representatives highlighted the long-term benefits for community development and investment.
Source: ScottishPower
#energy transition#Hagshaw Hill wind farm#Plaswire#Scotpand#ScottishPower Renewables#wind turbines