Jones Bros hits first pour milestone on Windy Standard III Wind Farm

JONES Bros Civil Engineering UK has completed the first pouring of concrete on the turbine foundations of the Windy Standard III Wind Farm in Dumfries & Galloway.

The firm is principal contractor on the multi-million pound 20-turbine scheme, which will have the capacity to power more than 130,000 homes annually.

The contractor completed the 400m3 pour in approximately nine hours by utilising its two on-site concrete batching plants, which cuts down vehicle movements both offsite and onsite, and helps streamline programme delivery.

The Fred. Olsen Renewables-led development, first consented in 2021, will be capable of generating 87.6 megawatts of renewable energy.

Elliot Bidmead, project manager at Jones Bros, said, “Reaching and completing the first foundation pour is always a significant milestone on our wind farm developments. It is the culmination of weeks of tireless work by our highly skilled and well-organised team, which is already focused on making further progress in the forthcoming weeks and months.”

The pouring of concrete for turbine foundations follows the completion of ground investigation, access track construction, and associated crane hardstand construction, to allow for turbine delivery and erection.

The Jones Bros team of 47, including apprentices, is now undertaking remaining foundation construction, construction of the control building and cabling works, ahead of turbine delivery starting in April 2026.

First power generation from the wind farm in south west Scotland is expected in winter 2026.

Jones Bros contracts director, Garod Evans, added, “It’s a key landmark in the delivery of what is another sizeable renewable energy scheme in Scotland. We have recently reached a similar stage on another wind farm in the country, while we are working on a number of other live projects. It’s a portfolio that showcases the talented team we have at our disposal.”

Eirik Brandsdal, project manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, commented, “This is a major milestone for Windy Standard III. The Jones Bros team has worked tirelessly and with precision to reach this point, and we’re thrilled with the pace and professionalism they’ve brought to the project. Their efficient delivery is helping us stay firmly on track for first power in 2026.”