Work on wind farm starts after zonal pricing decision

Construction of the UK’s fourth largest wind farm has started after its developer welcomed the Government’s decision not to go ahead with zonal pricing.

CWP Energy said it believed the policy would have disincentivised the development of wind farms and other renewable energy projects across Scotland.

Its comments came as it began work on the Sanquhar II Community Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire which has been nearly 10 years in planning.

Around 100 construction staff are now working on site at Sanquhar II, which will deliver more than £800, in investment over its 40-year operational life.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “Reformed national pricing will ensure the benefits of clean power are felt by communities and consumers in every part of the country, while giving businesses the stability and certainty they need to continue investing to upgrade our infrastructure to boost our national energy security, helping to create thousands of skilled jobs, and boosting the economy.”