ScottishPower has awarded £330m in contracts for wind turbines and civil engineering work for its Whitelee windfarm on Eaglesham moor near Glasgow, the biggest project of its kind in Europe.

Siemens will build the 140 turbines for the 322MW site which will provide enough clean, renewable energy for 200,000 homes. The first turbines will arrive in October next year and the site fully commissioned in summer 2009. 

Contracts have been awarded to Morrison Construction and Balfour Kilpatrick for site infrastructure works including 90km of access roads and turbine foundations.

ScottishPower Chief Executive Philip Bowman said: "Today's announcement underlines the importance of onshore wind to the Scottish economy. Over £100m of the total investment is expected to be placed with local companies. Whitelee is just the beginning. We also have large projects such as Harestanes (210MW) and Arecleoch (180MW) currently in planning and intend to spend £1 billion on onshore wind projects by 2010."

Andreas Nauen, Siemens Power Wind Generation Chief Executive, said: "Since the start of the 90s, Siemens has successfully implemented several onshore wind turbine projects in the UK. The order for Whitelee will enable us to further expand our strong presence in UK."

Morrison Construction's regional director Neil Macleod said: "We entered the renewable sector three years ago and have rapidly established ourselves as an industry leader.  In that time, our wind farm team has designed and constructed wind farm infrastructure projects totalling 180MW output and are now actively preparing to deliver a further 400MW.

"In addition, since the construction expenditure will be channelled through our local business, the economic benefits will be considerable throughout the local supply chain. This is good news for Scotland."

Garry Black, regional director for Balfour Kilpatrick's Projects and Scotland operations, added: "We are delighted to be involved with this prestigious project which will set a benchmark for large-scale wind farm developments across Europe. This sustainable power solution will make a major contribution to Scotland's energy needs."

Media information: Simon McMillan 0141 566 4875/ 07753 622 257