United Kingdom Sanquhar II Wind Farm Construction Begins in Scotland

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Construction has officially begun on the Sanquhar II Community Wind Farm in southern Scotland, a development expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 335,000 homes. Once operational in August 2026, the 44-turbine project will be the UK’s fourth-largest onshore wind farm.

Developed by CWP Energy, the project spans Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire and is projected to deliver over £800 million in local investment throughout its 40-year operational life. The construction phase is expected to create hundreds of jobs, with almost half of the workforce sourced locally.

The project experienced a pause in 2023 due to tax-related decisions under the previous UK Government. Developers confirmed that construction resumed following the government’s decision to abandon plans for zonal energy pricing.

Rod Wood, director of CWP Energy, said: “Onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of home-grown electricity, delivering excellent value for consumers and businesses. After nearly 10 years of planning, ground has been broken, and the project now brings an immediate £400 million into the Scottish economy. It will also create long-term employment, generate community benefits, and contribute to local authority revenues.”

Vestas, supplying the EnVentus platforms and V162 turbines for the project, described Sanquhar II as a major step toward improving UK energy security. James Ian Robinson, senior sales director UK & Ireland at Vestas, added: “Construction is underway on what will become the UK’s fourth largest onshore wind project. Sanquhar II represents a key move toward reliable home-grown power generation.”

The wind farm is expected to offset around 540,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, supporting the UK Government’s wider energy and environmental goals.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray welcomed the development, emphasising Scotland’s role in achieving the government’s clean power objectives. He said: “Reformed national pricing ensures the benefits of clean energy reach communities and consumers across the country, while providing businesses the certainty needed to invest in infrastructure, create skilled jobs, and strengthen national energy security.”

Huw Jones, chairman of Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, highlighted the impact on the local economy during construction. “On site, we currently employ around 100 personnel daily, with numbers expected to reach 200. Local contractors and suppliers are being utilised wherever possible, and almost 50% of our workforce comes from nearby towns and villages,” he said.

Sanquhar II is expected to operate for four decades, providing a long-term boost to local employment, investment, and the UK’s energy infrastructure.