20-turbine site moves into final construction phase ahead of full operations in 2027
EDF power solutions UK has completed the turbine installation at its 102MW Stranoch wind farm, marking an important milestone for the project as it nears completion.
Earlier this year the successful delivery of 189 key component parts from the Port of Cairnryan to the site took place and since then work has been ongoing by Vestas and principal contractor I&H Brown, a Scottish family-run business, to complete installation of the 20 turbines.
In amongst the 20 turbines is the UK’s most powerful – the EnVentus V150, one of the first of its kind to be installed in the UK.
EDF power solutions UK has worked with its contractors to minimise the disruption to residents and visitors in the vicinity of the wind farm, utilising letter drops, and a text and email distribution system to keep them updated.
This latest milestone means that the electrical works, carried out by Power Systems UK, to connect the wind farm to the grid is now underway before full energisation next year.
Yusuf Patel, Chief Technical Officer at EDF power solutions UK, commented: “We are now entering the final phase in Stranoch wind farm’s construction as we start move towards energisation and full operations.
“We continue to be immensely grateful to the local residents for their patience as we progress through the final months of construction.”
Over the last two years £40,000 has been awarded to local community groups through a sponsorship fund. The annual fund supports small-scale grants for projects that make a positive difference to local people, particularly those living in and around the communities closest to the Stranoch development. The next funding round will open in December for applications.
Those awarded grants earlier this year include a summer pony camp in Stranraer to allow more young people to attend; a local Wigtownshire group for people with disabilities and additional support needs to promote its services and expand its reach; as well as grants to several groups to cover costs of events for demographics such as the elderly and those experiencing social isolation.
Once the wind farm is operational this will be superseded by a community benefit fund, worth around £510,000 per annum. Discussions are currently ongoing with communities as to how this will be administered.
Local residents and businesses can sign up to an email mailing list and text messaging service for updates by sending their details to stranochwindfarm@edf-power.com.
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