UK - ScottishPower erects first wind turbine at Greenwokes windfarm

UK-based clean energy firm ScottishPower Renewables has completed the erection of the first wind turbines at the Greenkowes windfarm, in Perthshire, south of Auchterarder in Scotland.

When completed, the Greenknowes windfarm's 18-turbines will deliver an output of up to 27MW, enough green renewable energy for over 15,000 homes.

Construction began at Greenknowes in May 2007 with the creation of the site infrastructure and access roads for the machinery and equipment. The 95m tall turbines are being delivered by road from Rosyth Docks on a specifically designed route to minimize disruption to other road users.

The windfarm is expected to commence exporting electricity to the national grid in summer 2008 with final completion planned for the autumn. The turbines have been supplied by Acciona, a Spanish manufacturer, and are the first of their turbines to be constructed in the UK.

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Renewables's director, said: "The Scottish government has set considerable renewable energy targets and we are delighted to be working in Perth and Kinross in pursuit of these goals. The Greenknowes windfarm is an important element of our wind development program and is a fantastic example of utilizing Scotland's abundant wind resources for environmental benefit."