A state-of-the-art wind farm extension in South Lanarkshire, capable of generating renewable electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately 53,700 homes, has been officially opened. The Kype Muir Wind Farm Extension, developed by OnPath Energy (formerly known as Banks Renewables), features 15 turbines and is poised to export clean electricity to the national grid for the next 30 years.
The official opening ceremony was attended by members of the OnPath team, local community members, business partners, and government officials. Joani Reid, Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, had the honour of inaugurating the groundbreaking project. In her remarks, Reid highlighted the importance of the wind farm in achieving a just transition to net-zero emissions while also boosting the local economy. She also celebrated the participation of pupils from Newfield Primary School in the event, particularly in naming the turbines.
The Kype Muir Wind Farm Extension complements the existing Kype Muir site, which boasts 26 turbines. In a historic moment for Scotland’s renewable energy sector, the connection of the UK’s first 200m turbine at Kype Muir Extension was marked by the then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2022.
Together, the two sites are expected to deliver over £21 million in community benefits throughout their operational lifespan and will support approximately 800 jobs, both directly and indirectly. Collectively, Kype Muir and its extension will generate more than 155 MW annually, providing renewable energy for over 123,000 homes—equivalent to powering a city the size of Aberdeen.
Gordon Thomson, Projects Director at OnPath Energy, described the official launch of the Kype Muir Extension as a major milestone. He expressed pride in the significant amounts of clean renewable energy the site will deliver, alongside the financial benefits for local communities through the Kype Muir Community Partnership. Thomson also acknowledged the job creation in the area as a crucial boost for the local economy.
The estimated lifetime regional spend from the original Kype Muir Wind Farm is around £123 million, with a commitment to prioritising local contractors during the development of the extension. Together, both sites will help displace approximately 307,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing around 30,700 petrol cars from the roads each year—underscoring their importance in the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
The Kype Muir Wind Farm Extension features four 156m turbines, three 176m turbines, and eight 200m turbines. The principal contractors for both the Kype Muir and Kype Muir Extension projects, RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd, contributed to an overall £188 million investment in the Scottish economy, with £159 million spent within a 60km radius of the site.
The opening ceremony included a plaque unveiling and a competition for local schoolchildren to name the turbines. The winners were Harry Scott with “Sir Winds A Lot,” Orla Kier Bowers with “The Topsy Turney,” and Matthew Ramsay with “Renewable Ronnie.” Attendees also had the chance to tour the site and learn more about the innovative technology behind the turbines.
Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, expressed enthusiasm for the launch, noting its significant contribution to clean energy production and local job creation. Brown extended gratitude to all involved in the project, marking it as a long-term commitment to sustainability and community welfare.