Construction has begun at Crossdykes wind farm, Scotland’s first subsidy-free onshore wind project being developed by Muirhall Energy and  WWS Renewables. The project reached financial close in August. Close Brothers Leasing funded the scheme on a project finance basis. The turbines will be supplied by Nordex.

The company 46MW wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway is expected to produce first power in September 2020.  Muirhall has offered the local community the chance to buy up to 105 of the project via a community share offer, with local community groups currently assessing how best to invest in the wind farm.

Chris Walker, managing director of Muirhall Energy, said, “We are delighted to be starting construction on what will be one of the first subsidy-free developments to come online in the UK…

“With more than 300MW to begin construction over the next three years, this an exciting time forMuirhall Energy.  However, access to the Contract for Difference or some other support mechanism would make a huge difference to the economics of the sector, encouraging the build-out of some of the more challenging consented sites, therefore ensuring onshore wind makes the biggest possible contribution to meeting our net zero climate change targets whilst keeping bills down for consumers.”

Further reading

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Economy-wide group calls for new approach to expand onshore wind

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UK falling behind on climate action, says CCC

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Treasury Committee opens inquiry on decarbonisation and green finance