European Chemical Industry News & Insights

ScottishPower Expands Arecleoch and Kilgallioch Wind Farms

At a glance
  • The expansion will add 13 turbines at Arecleoch and 9 at Kilgallioch, reaching 485 MW capacity.
  • The wind farms will generate electricity for 300,000 households.
  • Arecleoch and Kilgallioch have contributed nearly £16 million in taxes since 2011 and 2017.
  • Peatland restoration includes 34 hectares at Arecleoch and 25 hectares at Kilgallioch.

Expansion Details

ScottishPower is expanding its Arecleoch and Kilgallioch wind farms in South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. The expansion will add 13 turbines at Arecleoch and 9 at Kilgallioch, increasing their combined capacity to nearly 485 megawatts. This enhancement will enable the wind farms to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 300,000 British households.

Economic Impact

Since becoming operational in 2011 and 2017, Arecleoch and Kilgallioch have contributed almost £16 million in tax revenues. By the end of their operational lifespan, they are expected to provide more than £31.4 million to local authorities, supporting socio-economic development in the surrounding communities.

Environmental Initiatives

The expansion includes significant environmental restoration efforts. At Arecleoch, 34 hectares of peatland will be restored on a reforested site. Kilgallioch has already seen the rehabilitation of 25 hectares of peatland. Additionally, land adjacent to Kilgallioch, located in the Kirkcowan Flow Special Area of Conservation, will undergo restoration to enhance habitat resilience and restore natural hydrology.