Lewis Macdonald , Deputy Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning, today officially opened ScottishPower's Cruach Mhor windfarm near Glendaruel in Argyll.

The windfarm is ScottishPower's 12th in the UK and Eire and brings its total ownership of renewable energy generation to almost 160 megawatts (MW).

The £22 million windfarm will deliver an output of 30MW, enough green energy for around 17,000 homes. It will displace more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, each year by offsetting existing coal-fired generation.

It is the next step in ScottishPower's planned investment to add a further 800MW of new renewables  by 2010, creating a generation portfolio which comprises 20% renewable sources. ScottishPower's plans alone could mean around £1 billion investment in Scotland by 2010.  

Charles Berry, Executive Director UK, said: "We are delighted the Minister is opening our newest windfarm. Cruach Mhor is an important element of our wind development programme, and an example of utilising Scotland's abundant wind resources for environmental benefit. ScottishPower has recently announced a Concordat with Argyll & Bute Council and together we will now develop a strategy to build on the range of renewable energy technologies that will bring maximum economic benefit to people across Argyll and Bute".

The economic benefits of this windfarm have been considerable: of the £22m total cost, £18.5m (84%) was sourced with Scottish-based companies, including Vestas Celtic of Machrihanish which provided the turbines and Henry Boot Scotland which was responsible for the infrastructure works. The Vestas Celtic contract is particularly important for Argyll with the plant at Machrihanish now employing over 200 people.

An important element of the windfarm's development was an innovative habitat management programme for the benefit of hen harriers, short-eared owls and black grouse. Almost 300 hectares of commercial forestry has been felled with the aim of regenerating grassland, blanket bog and heathland habitats suitable for the birds. The plan is managed in co-operation with Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB and Forest Enterprise.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) the UK wind industry gathers in Manchester to discuss progress towards building and delivering the Governments targets for renewable electricity. The event, the industry's 26th annual conference, comes in the middle of the most successful year on record.  118MW have been fully commissioned - a 20% increase in total UK generating capacity and beating total new build in 2003.

Further information:

Simon McMillan             0141 566 4875 or 07753 622 257