Onshore wind Scotland: powering an abundant future
Many in the UK are asking how we can secure a reliable, affordable energy supply without compromising our environmental goals. The answer, for Scotland, lies in its abundant natural resource: wind. Far from being a constraint, Scotland's onshore wind potential offers a pathway to an energy future where supply is no longer a limiting factor, allowing for greater ambition and progress.
Scotland's onshore wind potential offers a pathway to an energy future where supply is no longer a limiting factor, allowing for greater ambition and progress. At Fuse Energy, we believe in delivering the abundant, clean energy the future requires. We're committed to rebuilding the energy system from scratch to make clean energy cheap and accessible. Click here to learn more about how Fuse Energy is making a difference.
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The expanding landscape of onshore wind in Scotland
Scotland is already a leader in onshore wind development within the UK, thanks to its significant wind resources and supportive policy environment. This leadership is set to grow, driven by substantial investments and the progression of key projects across the country.
Major investments driving growth
OnPath Energy, which was acquired by Brookfield Asset Management in December 2023, is spearheading a significant investment drive, committing approximately £1 billion to clean energy projects across southern Scotland over the next five years1. This substantial capital injection is central to OnPath Energy's ambition to become a leading renewable energy developer in the UK. The company is actively exploring new development opportunities across Scotland, England, and Wales, including pre-construction, operational wind farms, and repowering projects.
Key projects and capacity
A core part of OnPath Energy's strategy involves an option agreement with Wilson Forest Products to acquire a majority stake in three new onshore wind farms in South Lanarkshire: Bankend Rig II, Bankend Rig III, and Hawkwood Wind Farm. These three projects collectively feature 18 turbines with a combined capacity of 121 MW. Once operational, they are expected to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 150,000 homes annually. Planning consents for Bankend Rig II and Bankend Rig III were secured by Wilson Forest Products in 2025, while the Hawkwood Wind Farm has received approval from South Lanarkshire Council, subject to completion of legal agreements. These projects are located near OnPath's existing Kype Muir wind complex in South Lanarkshire.
Economic benefits and energy security
Job creation and regional development
The expansion of onshore wind capacity is a significant driver of job creation and regional development. According to Scottish Renewables, the renewable energy industry in Scotland supported over 47,000 jobs and generated £15.5 billion in output in 2022, with onshore wind alone supporting 16,865 full-time equivalent roles. Projections from Scottish Renewables suggest that by 2030, onshore wind could support around 20,500 full-time equivalent jobs, particularly in construction and installation. This growth is not just about numbers; it represents skilled, sustainable green jobs across the UK, contributing to a just transition for the workforce. Developers also contribute to local communities, with over £200 million in community benefit funding awarded through Scottish onshore wind projects since 1990.
Reducing electricity bills and boosting supply
New onshore wind farms are expected to improve the security of energy supply and contribute to reducing consumer electricity bills in the long term. Onshore wind is recognised as a cheap and reliable source of electricity generation. Local Electricity Discount Schemes (LEDS) can even provide annual discounts on electricity bills for consumers living near participating wind farms, channelling community benefit funds directly to residents. This direct benefit helps to mitigate energy costs and fosters local support for renewable projects.
Addressing environmental and community impacts
Balancing development with nature
Developing onshore wind requires a careful balance between harnessing its clean energy potential and addressing local environmental and community concerns.
The Scottish Government acknowledges that while onshore wind is crucial for climate targets, it's imperative to strike the right balance in land use. This involves minimising impacts on sensitive areas like peatlands and ensuring that developments contribute to biodiversity enhancement. The industry has made significant strides in mitigation and restoration solutions for peatland, working with environmental agencies to update best practice guidance for wind farm construction. Guidance also exists for assessing and mitigating impacts on wildlife, such as bats, ensuring that developments pose minimal risk.
Community engagement and mitigation strategies
Effective community engagement is vital for successful wind farm development. This includes involving local communities in decision-making processes and delivering tangible benefits. Planning authorities are encouraged to improve community engagement through practical measures and the increased use of digital technologies. Developers often implement strategies to address concerns such as visual amenity and noise, ensuring that projects are designed with local contexts in mind.
Policy frameworks and planning consents
Scottish government's role in wind energy
The Scottish Government plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape for onshore wind through its policies and planning processes.
The Scottish Government is committed to the continued development of onshore wind, recognising its key role in decarbonising the energy system and achieving net-zero targets. The Onshore Wind Policy Statement 2022 set an ambitious target of a minimum installed capacity of 20 GW of onshore wind in Scotland by 20302. This commitment is further solidified by the Onshore Wind Sector Deal, signed in September 2023, which outlines how industry and government will collaborate to deliver wind farms quickly, sustainably, and to the benefit of local communities.
Navigating the approval process
Planning consents are critical milestones for wind farm projects. Developments over 50 MW require consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 from Scottish Ministers. While the process can be lengthy, with determination times sometimes extending to several years, efforts are being made to streamline approvals. The National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) designates onshore wind exceeding 50 MW as 'national development,' signifying that the need for such projects is established and their delivery should be facilitated.
Fuse Energy's contribution to Scotland's wind power
Our commitment to clean energy infrastructure
Fuse Energy is actively contributing to Scotland's clean energy infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to abundant, clean power.
At Fuse Energy, we believe in delivering the abundant, clean energy the future requires. Our approach involves rebuilding the energy system from scratch to make clean energy cheap and accessible. Fuse Energy is actively contributing to Scotland's clean energy infrastructure, including our 0.8 MW onshore wind site at Balnamoon in Moray, UK.
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Disclaimer
For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.
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