One hamstrung by a de facto ban, energy sites in locations around the UK will benefit from a huge investment in maintenance and operations.
ScottishPower announced its record £102.9 million investment in onshore wind sites last week. Businesses across Scotland, in Greater London and Northern Ireland will get a share of the mammoth cash injection. Three firms have pre-existing contracts: Overrun Limited, RES, and Natural Power. A fourth — Gael Energy — is entering into its first agreement with the utilities giant.
The new contracts amount to the highest value ever awarded for onshore wind, which until Labour took power in 2024 had been subject to a de facto ban introduced under the Conservative Party through legislative amendments. 24 sites stand to benefit from the deals over the next five years.
‘Transitioning the country to a cleaner, greener future has so many benefits beyond the environment, and our support for the supply chain throughout the UK is clear evidence of this,’ said ScottishPower Renewables’ Onshore Construction and Operations Director Ross Galbraith.’By continuing to invest in our assets, we are giving businesses in the supply chain the confidence to make their own investments, and that results in jobs and other benefits for local communities.’
‘We are delighted to have been awarded this Operations & Maintenance contract and to be supporting another renewable energy project here in the Highlands,’ said Gael Energy Founder and Managing Director Hamish Campbell. ‘As a business headquartered in the heart of the Highlands, we’ve always believed that having a strong local presence is fundamental to the way we operate. Being close to our customers allows us to respond quickly, build lasting relationships, and invest in the communities where we work.’
Image: Karsten Würth / Unsplash
More on onshore wind:
Hydrotreated vegetable oil, battery energy storage will power onshore wind boom
Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy aims to double sector’s energy generation
Can onshore wind green light solve England’s electricity problem?