CONSTRUCTION of the UK’s largest consumer-owned wind farm has begun in Kirkoswald, Ayrshire, as blades begin to be lifted onto the eight turbines at the Kirk Hill Wind Farm.
More than 5,600 members from households and businesses across Scotland, England, and Wales part-own Kirk Hill Wind Farm, representing a new model of people-owned renewable energy.
Members of the co-operative are tipped to benefit from the low cost, renewable energy it generates once operational in early 2024. The average predicted first year bill savings for each member is £269.
Managed and run by Ripple Energy, the wind farm will have a total capacity of 18.8MW with the potential to power around 20,000 households and businesses.
A recent study by Ripple Energy revealed ‘widespread support’ in Scotland for renewable energy projects, with 67% of Scots voicing their support for renewable projects in their area, and 58% more likely to support the development of a wind turbine or solar park if they had the opportunity to own part of it and lower their bills.
The research was commissioned by Ripple Energy as part of a new initiative called Generation YES, which is calling on people across the UK to say yes to renewable energy projects being developed and support more clean power.
Sarah Merrick, founder and CEO of Ripple Energy, said, “Kirk Hill Wind Farm represents the future of green energy. It is owned by 5,600 proud individuals who will benefit from the clean, low-cost energy generated by its turbines. From the moment they left the factories and made their journey across the Mediterranean and into the Port of Ayr, our members have been avidly following their journey. There’s a sense of history being made here on the west coast of Scotland as construction gets underway.
“Those who want a zero-carbon future can now part-own renewable energy projects, and directly benefit from lower and more stable electricity bills over the long-term. The future is consumer-owned renewable energy, and thousands of people in the UK have already joined the movement.”
