NESO CEO visits Whitelee Windfarm

He was shown around the UK’s largest onshore windfarm where he heard about the benefits of repowering and how Whitelee could continue to contribute to the UK’s energy needs for decades to come.

ScottishPower Renewables’ CEO Charlie Jordan said: “Whitelee windfarm, one of the largest in Europe, is a jewel in the UK’s renewables crown, powering Greater Glasgow and beyond with clean, green power for almost two decades. It was a pleasure to welcome Fintan and discuss the future of renewables, particularly as we look ahead to repowering some of these older onshore sites to retain the vital wind capacity and help drive future economic opportunities for growth.”

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is the independent public body responsible for managing and planning the UK's electricity and gas networks. Fintan Slye said: “It is impossible not to be impressed by the transformation of Eaglesham Moor into the UK’s largest onshore wind farm. The scale is striking, and it is a powerful example of the contribution Scotland is making to Britain’s clean energy future.”

The 215 wind turbines at Whitelee Windfarm produce up to 539MW of electricity - enough power for more than 350,000 homes. Whitelee also hosts a 50MW battery storage site - the largest windfarm battery in the UK with the equivalent energy storage capacity of almost 4 million smartphones.

Officially opened in 2009, it has become widely admired for its community facilities, providing access to a unique visitor centre and more than 130 km of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding alongside hosting and being a haven for wildlife. 

The visitor centre features a learning hub and exhibition space to help educate young people on the future of renewables.

ScottishPower Renewables managing director for onshore origination and development, Gillian Noble, leads on repowering and the businesses longer term pipeline. She said: “We are always keen to engage with industry partners such as NESO on the economic benefit of developing homegrown, clean, green power and to demonstrate the billions in investments we’re making to prepare Britain for a clean energy future.”