SgurrEnergy has been involved in this ground-breaking community wind project since 2006, supporting the developer through development and contractual support.
The UK’s largest community owned wind farm, Beinn Ghrideag on the Isle of Lewis, has successfully completed construction after technical advisory support from renewable energy consultancy, SgurrEnergy.
This significant milestone has seen three 3-MW Enercon wind turbines installed onsite, 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 optimize the project’s energy production and ensure the best possible return for the community.
Calum Macdonald, director at Point and Sandwick Trust, said: “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. They have gone the extra mile and the project would not be where it is now without them.”
Steve McDonald, implementation director at SgurrEnergy, said: “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.”
The wind farm is located west of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebridean Islands.
SgurrEnergy
www.sgurrenergy.com
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