Record-breaking 80m Turbine Blades Arrive At Wind Farm

Record-breaking 80m turbine blades have arrived in South Lanarkshire for a wind farm set to power 45,000 homes.

Each blade is being transported overnight to the Mill Rig Wind Farm site as part of a complex delivery operation. The 33.4MW development, led by OnPath Energy, is due to be fully operational by the end of the summer.

Once installed, the six turbines will generate enough electricity to supply tens of thousands of homes annually, while cutting carbon emissions by around 27,000 tonnes each year.

The turbines will reach tip heights of almost 200 metres, with blades sweeping 50% more area than those used at the nearby Kype Muir Extension. Combined with higher rated power, this is expected to deliver around a third more energy output.

Jules Rankin-Perez, head of construction at OnPath Energy said: “The arrival of these blades is a defining moment for the Mill Rig project. Their scale is remarkable, but more importantly, they represent a step change in how efficiently we can generate renewable energy.

“By using the latest turbine technology, we are able to deliver more clean power from fewer turbines, which benefits both the environment and the local community.”

Specialist haulage teams are working alongside contractors and local authorities, including principal contractor RJ McLeod and turbine manufacturer Nordex.

Jason Welch, regional vice-president and managing director of Nordex UK & Ireland said: “The delivery of these 80-metre blades to Mill Rig marks a major milestone not only for the project, but for onshore wind in the UK.

“These are the largest blades ever to be installed at a UK onshore wind farm, and they will form part of the Nordex Group’s first N163/5.X turbines to be installed in the UK.

“This underlines how quickly turbine technology is advancing and the role it plays in delivering more efficient, higher-yield renewable energy projects. We’re proud to be working with OnPath on this project which will generate significant clean electricity, strengthen energy security and create lasting benefits for local communities.”

Renewable consultancy Natural Power is supporting the project with technical and construction management expertise.

Angie Smith, senior construction project manager of Natural Power added: “Natural Power is delighted to be supporting OnPath with the delivery of Mill Rig Wind Farm. The arrival of the first blade set to site is a major milestone for the project and is testament to the collaboration and cooperation of the whole project team.

“We will continue to monitor the progress of works and quality compliance throughout the construction phase and look forward to the completion of the turbine installation and commissioning works before handing over to operations.”

The wider development is expected to support around 300 jobs and deliver an estimated £91m in contracts to firms within 60km of the site. A £5m community benefit fund will also support local groups and environmental projects.

“Mill Rig is not only about generating renewable energy, but also about delivering long-term value for the communities around it,” continues Jules.

“This project will provide significant investment into the local area, support jobs across the supply chain and contribute to the Scottish Government’s ambitions to deliver 20GW of onshore wind by 2030.”