Key facts
- Scottish Power plans to "repower" the UK's largest onshore windfarm, Whitelee.
- The project aims to double the windfarm's generating capacity to over 1GW.
- Existing turbines will be replaced with fewer, taller models.
- The number of turbines could be reduced from 214 to 124.
- New turbines may exceed 240 meters in height.
Scottish Power has announced plans to significantly upgrade the UK's largest onshore windfarm, Whitelee, by replacing its existing turbines with taller, more powerful models. This initiative aims to double the windfarm's generating capacity to over 1 gigawatt (GW).
The repowering project will involve reducing the number of turbines from the current 214 to approximately 124. These new turbines are expected to stand considerably taller than the current generation, which reach up to 140 meters at blade tip. The proposed new turbines could exceed 240 meters in height.
Scottish Power CEO Keith Anderson described the repowering as "critical" for the windfarm's future, emphasizing that it will generate more renewable power for the country. He noted that the site, which opened in 2008, is an "iconic" windfarm and a "huge attraction."
The company stated the proposals would be implemented in three phases to ensure continued public access to the visitor centre. The announcement comes as Scottish Power reported increased half-year earnings of £1.7 billion.
Separately, a story emerged of Donald Trump telling Sir Keir Starmer that wind turbines kill birds, which foxes then eat, leading to the foxes becoming "fat" and unrecognisable. Former Downing Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney recounted the anecdote, describing it as a humorous moment during the leaders' first phone call.