ScottishPower Renewables, one of the largest developers and operators of onshore wind power in the UK, has officially opened Middleton Windfarm (4th September) in East Renfrewshire near Glasgow, following its completion earlier this year.

The windfarm, which consists of six Gamesa G80 turbines, can generate up to 12 megawatts of electricity - enough renewable energy to meet the average electricity demands of more than 6,000 homes each year. The £23 million project supported more than 40 jobs during its twelve month construction period.

The official opening was attended by East Renfrewshire Council Provost Alistair Carmichael, as well project teams from the main contractors Farrans, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services and Gamesa.

Middleton Windfarm, which received final planning consent from East Renfrewshire Council in August 2011 after being developed RWE npower Renewables, was acquired by ScottishPower Renewables in December 2011. Located near ScottishPower Renewables’ Whitelee Windfarm, Middleton is a welcome addition to the company’s diverse project portfolio.

Simon Christian, UK Managing Director at ScottishPower Renewables, said: “The rigourous timeframe in which Middleton Windfarm was delivered, just under one year, highlights the industry leading expertise of our internal team. Since the project entered its operational phase earlier this year, it has been generating cleaner, greener power, contributing towards Scotland’s carbon reduction targets.

“Through our existing Whitelee Windfarm located nearby, the largest of its kind in the UK, we have already donated more than £1 million of support to local projects. With the addition of Middleton, a further £750,000 of funding will be provided over the site’s 25 year operational life.

“We are also delighted that more than 40 jobs were supported throughout the construction period, with the operation of the site expected to continue to create opportunities for local people and businesses for decades to come.”

Notes to Editors:

• Homes equivalent figure calculated using an industry average capacity factor of 26.06% and an annual domestic usage of 4,266 kilowatt hours.

Media Information: ScottishPower Press Office, 0141 614 4660