The UK’s largest community-owned wind farm, Beinn Ghrideag on the Isle of Lewis, has successfully completed construction this week after technical advisory support from leading renewable energy consultancy, SgurrEnergy. The wind farm is located west of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebridean Islands.
This significant milestone has seen three 3MW Enercon wind turbines installed on-site, with first energy production expected to be achieved in early summer. Developed by Point and Sandwick Power, the wind farm will provide enough energy to power 6,000 homes and is expected to generate more than £36 million for the community over a 25 year lifetime, by selling power to the grid and returning all profit to the local community.
SgurrEnergy, a Wood Group company, has been involved in this ground-breaking project since 2006, supporting the developer with expertise spanning feasibility and development, contractual support and most recently, project management and technical advisory services during the construction phase. With construction now complete, SgurrEnergy will undertake ongoing operational management support for five years to optimise the project’s energy production and ensure the best possible return for the community.
"SgurrEnergy has been more than a technical advisor and contractor throughout this project; the team has been a constant ally and firm supporter, straining every sinew to get the project to financial close and then to operation," said Calum Macdonald, director at Point and Sandwick Trust. "They have gone the extra mile and the project would not be where it is now without them."
Steve McDonald, implementation director at
SgurrEnergy, added: “The successful completion of this project demonstrates that developing, financing, constructing and operating large-scale community wind farms is achievable with dedicated community leaders and experienced and flexible project partners. It has been a privilege to work with such committed community leaders in successfully delivering this momentous project, and we look forward to continuing our support throughout the operation of Beinn Ghrideag wind farm.”