Wind farm to generate £200 million worth orders for Scottish firms

13 June 2009

Scottish firms can expect contracts worth more than £200 million during the construction of Europe's largest onshore wind farm in South Lanarkshire according to Alex Salmond, first minister. He made the statement during a visit to observe preparatory works at Clyde wind farm.

On completion in 2011, the 152-turbine facility near Abington will be capable of powering up to 320,000 homes.

The £600 million Scottish and Southern Energy scheme is expected to create 200 jobs during construction.

The construction which will be taken up in phases will involve erection of turbines in clusters on either side of the M74 motorway.

The wind farm is expected to overtake the Whitlee wind farm that is at present the largest onshore such facility in Europe. ScottishPower has said that it is hoping to expand the facility to 614 MW.

"The Clyde wind farm will direct more than £200m of investment to businesses in Scotland," Salmond said.