A major upgrade has transformed Scotland's pioneering commercial wind farm, boosting its renewable energy output by a factor of five following comprehensive modernization work.
The Hagshaw Hill facility operated by ScottishPower Renewables, located close to Douglas in South Lanarkshire, underwent extensive refurbishment in 2023 that saw 26 older turbines dismantled and substituted with 14 advanced, larger-scale units.
According to ScottishPower, the upgraded installation now possesses the capacity to supply electricity equivalent to the needs of 57,000 households.
In a notable sustainability initiative, all blades from the decommissioned turbines are being processed by Plaswire, a manufacturing firm that converts them into alternative construction materials to substitute concrete, timber and plastic products.
Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, emphasized that upgrading existing facilities such as Hagshaw Hill represents the most rapid and effective approach to expanding renewable energy capacity while meeting Scotland's onshore wind objectives for 2030.
The modernized turbines are capable of producing over 79MW of renewable electricity.
Mr Jordan stated: "Hagshaw Hill started Scotland's wind revolution – and now it's back online, supercharged and ready to lead the next chapter. We're proud of what this site represents: powering homes, powering communities and powering Scotland's clean energy future."
The decommissioning and reconstruction phases of Hagshaw Hill provided employment support for more than 100 workers.
Andrew Billingsley, the CEO of Plaswire, noted: "Plaswire's recycling process diverts waste from incineration, reducing CO2 emissions and replacing high carbon construction products."
SPR has significantly expanded its community benefit program, with annual funding of nearly £400,000 now flowing to Coalburn, Douglas, Lesmahagow and Rigside & Douglas Water. This represents approximately 26 times the previous funding level and will support local facility improvements and regional job creation.
The initial proposal to modernize Hagshaw Hill wind farm was submitted in December 2018, receiving official approval in February 2020.
