Latest news with #OnPathEnergy
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
East Ayrshire pupils come up with winning name for newly proposed wind farm
An entry from primary five pupils at Netherthird Primary School stood out to OnPath Energy team. A newly proposed wind farm in East Ayrshire set to transform a former opencast mine has found its identity thanks to help from local pupils. The wind farm, proposed by OnPath Energy, recently submitted a scoping report and is planned for the restored Garleffan and Grievehill opencast coal mine, a prominent site located just east of the village of Netherthird in East Ayrshire. As part of proposals, children from Netherthird, New Cumnock, and Logan Primary School were all invited to put forward names for the site by OnPath Energy, which will now be known as Glen Water Wind Farm. Primary five pupils from Netherthird Primary School came up with the winning name, which, if approved, will become the official title for the site for generations to come. Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy, said: " We've been genuinely blown away by the enthusiasm and creativity shown by all the pupils we worked with. "It's been a joy to spend time in each of the three schools, hearing the children's ideas and seeing how much thought they put into the naming process. "There's a real enthusiasm for renewable energy among the pupils, and we're keen to support that interest, not least through their brilliant work with the Clean Green Teams and their ambition to achieve the Gold Award. "Choosing a single winner was far from easy, there were a lot of brilliant names, but Glen Water Wind Farm stood out as something truly meaningful and rooted in the identity of the place. "We'll be putting the other brilliant name suggestions to good use too, with several set to become the names of individual turbines on the proposed site." Other standout entries will also be celebrated, with five turbines at the proposed site set to be named after pupils' creative suggestions. These include Robert Burns turbine, The Nith turbine and Grieveleffan Hill turbine. If consented, Glen Water Wind Farm will feature up to eight turbines each with a tip height of up to 250 metres, capable of generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 55,000 homes annually. One primary five pupil from Netherthird Primary School said: 'We learned that in Scotland a Glen is a narrow valley. There are lots of local places that have Glen in their name, like Glenafton, Glenburn and Glenmuir so we thought this would be a good one. We also thought that the wind farm would be near water, so Glen Water was a good choice." It will deliver significant benefit to the local community and causes, delivering a minimum of £5,000 per megawatt annually in community funding. OnPath is also offering one per cent free shared equity to the community as an additional revenue stream, with further opportunities for local people to invest through its shared ownership scheme. Ewan Robertson, project manager at OnPath Energy, said: "Seeing the enthusiasm from pupils and teachers across all three schools has been incredibly motivating. "Their ideas and involvement have helped bring this project to life in a way no technical drawing or grid connection plan ever could. "We believe renewable energy should be a force for good in local communities, not just a power source. That means investing in people, education and opportunity from the very beginning. "Over the 20 years this business has been working in renewable energy this team has seen first-hand how onshore wind can deliver long-term value, from funding vital community projects to supporting local jobs. "We're confident that what we're putting forward here is a strong, well-thought-out proposal that will do the same." The second round of public consultations on the project are scheduled to take place in October, where updated plans will be shown that reflects feedback gathered from the initial consultation events held in April. OnPath Energy has also pledged to continue engaging with local schools, organisations and community groups throughout the development process, ensuring the project leaves a lasting legacy far beyond clean electricity.
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Work begins on £155m South Lanarkshire wind farm set to power 45,000 homes
The 33.4 MW onshore wind project will feature some of the UK's most advanced turbines, harnessing cutting-edge technology to maximise energy generation and efficiency. Work has officially begun on a multi-million pound wind farm in South Lanarkshire, marking a key milestone in Scotland's renewable energy ambitions. The £155 million Mill Rig Wind Farm, brought forward by leading UK renewables developer OnPath Energy, will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 45,000 homes annually once fully operational in 2026. Construction activity on site, near Darvel, is now well underway, with essential infrastructure work – including access roads, substation foundations, and site preparation – progressing at pace. The 33.4 MW onshore wind project will feature some of the UK's most advanced turbines, harnessing cutting-edge technology to maximise energy generation and efficiency. Over the coming months, teams will prepare crane pads and lay the turbine foundations. The first turbine components are expected to arrive on-site in the Autumn 2025, with installation and commissioning scheduled for early 2026. Alan Wells, project manager at OnPath Energy, said: 'Breaking ground on Mill Rig is a huge milestone for OnPath Energy and a major step forward in delivering this strategically important renewable energy project. 'The start of construction marks the culmination of extensive planning, environmental assessments, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure the project is developed responsibly and builds community value for local people and businesses to support a just transition to net zero that is fair and inclusive for everyone. 'Our team is now focused on progressing construction efficiently, with strict adherence to best environmental practices and health and safety standards.' Mill Rig is set to provide long-term economic benefits to the local community and Scotland's renewable energy sector. As part of the Hamilton-based firm's OnPath Together development approach throughout construction, the project is expected to directly support around 300 jobs, with many more generated indirectly through the wider supply chain. OnPath Energy has committed to prioritising local contractors and businesses, with £91 million invested within 60km of the site. Alan added: 'Beyond delivering clean, green electricity, Mill Rig Wind Farm represents a major opportunity to invest in local talent, create jobs, and provide long-term economic value. 'We are committed to maximising the benefits of our projects, from supporting local businesses during construction to reinvesting in communities through our OnPath Together approach to development.' Over its lifetime Mill Rig Wind Farm will deliver a £5 million community fund supporting local groups, and environmental projects within a 10km radius of the site plus, South Lanarkshire Council is set to receive approximately £18 million in business rates. Mill Rig Wind Farm is the latest in a series of landmark renewable energy projects delivered by OnPath Energy. Locran Hayes, contracts manager at RJ McLeod said: 'We're very pleased to be awarded the contract to construct Mill Rig Wind Farm. 'This is our fourth project with the OnPath team who recognise the skills and experience of our staff and operatives, as well as our track record of using local resources and services. We look forward to jointly delivering this important energy asset.' OnPath Energy recently completed the Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm (now owned by funds managed by Schroders Greencoat LLP), which became the first in the UK to feature turbines with 200-metre tip heights – a breakthrough in onshore wind technology. With a growing portfolio, OnPath Energy has secured planning permission for 14 wind farms and currently operates 12 onshore wind farms across the UK, with a combined generation capacity of around 252 MW.
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New £155 million wind farm will power 45,000 Scottish homes from next year
'Breaking ground on Mill Rig is a huge milestone for OnPath Energy and a major step forward in delivering this strategically important renewable energy project' – Alan Wells, project manager Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Work has officially begun on a £155 million Scottish wind farm that will power some 45,000 homes. The onshore Mill Rig Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire is being developed by Scottish firm OnPath Energy and should be fully operational by next year. Construction activity on site is said to be well underway, with essential infrastructure work, including access roads, substation foundations and site preparation, progressing 'at pace'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 33.4-megawatt wind project will feature some of the UK's most advanced turbines, harnessing 'cutting-edge technology' to maximise energy generation and efficiency, developers said. The first turbine components are expected to arrive on-site this autumn, with installation and commissioning scheduled for early 2026. (L-R) Michael Brady (OnPath Energy), Lorna Hull (OnPath Energy), Alan Wells (OnPath Energy), Construction Director Martin Kellerman (OnPath Energy), Shakthivelu Thanghavel (RJ McLeod), Lorcan Hayes (RJ McLeod), Mhairi Grossett and Michael Newton (OnPath Energy). Alan Wells, project manager at OnPath Energy, said: 'Breaking ground on Mill Rig is a huge milestone for OnPath Energy and a major step forward in delivering this strategically important renewable energy project. 'The start of construction marks the culmination of extensive planning, environmental assessments, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure the project is developed responsibly and builds community value for local people and businesses to support a just transition to net zero that is fair and inclusive for everyone. 'Our team is now focused on progressing construction efficiently, with strict adherence to best environmental practices and health and safety standards.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The firm said the wind farm would provide long-term economic benefits to the local community and the wider renewable energy sector north of the Border. The project is expected to directly support around 300 jobs, with 'many more' generated indirectly through the wider supply chain. OnPath Energy said it was committed to prioritising local contractors and businesses, with £91m invested within some 40 miles of the site. Wells added: 'Beyond delivering clean, green electricity, Mill Rig Wind Farm represents a major opportunity to invest in local talent, create jobs, and provide long-term economic value. 'We are committed to maximising the benefits of our projects, from supporting local businesses during construction to reinvesting in communities through our OnPath Together approach to development.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over its lifetime, the wind farm will deliver a £5m community fund supporting local groups, and environmental projects within a short radius of the site. Mill Rig is the latest in a series of key renewable energy projects delivered by OnPath Energy. Locran Hayes, contracts manager at RJ McLeod, said: 'We're very pleased to be awarded the contract to construct Mill Rig Wind Farm. This is our fourth project with the OnPath team who recognise the skills and experience of our staff and operatives, as well as our track record of using local resources and services. We look forward to jointly delivering this important energy asset.' OnPath Energy recently completed the Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm - now owned by funds managed by Schroders Greencoat LLP - which became the first in the UK to feature turbines with 200-metre tip heights - seen as a breakthrough in onshore wind technology.
Daily Record
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Stonehouse Market gains support from windfarm operator
The popular monthly event has a host of craft stalls and is marking its first anniversary this month A popular community craft market which is now celebrating its first anniversary has been praised for supporting and showcasing local businesses and drawing crowds of shoppers to a South Lanarkshire village. Stonehouse Market, which takes place in the community graden on King Street and was first held in June 2024, is led by the area's business association and has a range of traders queuing up to take part with their products ranging from cakes and candles to pet treats and unique handcrafted items. It received a £6500 grant from South Lanarkshire's Renewable Energy Fund with support from local windfarm operator OnPath Energy, who highlighted the community project's success in helping to revive the town centre "by supporting small businesses, promoting greener shopping and attracting crowds'. The Keep It Stonehouse market runs on the second Saturday of the month from May to September, with organisers also planning an additional Christmas market – with the next event taking place on June 14 from 10am to 2pm. A total of 14 stall spaces are available under its licence, so the event is regularly oversubscribed with a waiting list for potential traders. Regular stallholders include Unique 2 U, Missy's Melts, Fab Fancies, Cakes by Rebecca, Mecoco, Made with Love by Angela, Whippet Clean, Perfect Pup Pals, Windy Wizzen's Emporium, the Auld Stanehoose Cafe, K&G Crystal Portal and Davies Laser & Engraving. Now a regular fixture in the local calendar with its colourful traditionally-striped stalls, it also includes free family entertainment such as face painting and balloon modelling to add further attraction to market day, while the events have also encouraged nearby businesses to open specially while they take place. Stonehouse Business Association secretary Peter Ramsay said: 'It's more than just a market – it's a focal point for the community, a place for neighbours to meet, support local talent, and enjoy a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere right in the centre of the village. 'We were keen to bring something with character and colour, so we invested in old-fashioned, striped market stalls to give it that vibrant, traditional feel. The support from OnPath Energy helped us get the initiative off the ground, and it's gone from strength to strength ever since.' Picture framer Peter added: 'There are more than 100 small businesses in and around Stonehouse, many hidden from view – the market gives them a stage and helps people appreciate the diversity of local goods made on their doorstep.' The local business association was founded seven years ago to represent and promote local businesses and now has more than 40 members. Organisers say the monthly market 'reflects its core aim, to showcase Stonehouse's enterprising spirit and to bring economic benefits back to the village centre' and hope to increase the number of stalls in future years. Hamilton-based OnPath, which operates both the Kype Muir windfarm five miles south of Strathaven plus Middle Muir, near Douglas, contributed to the market through the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) administered by South Lanarkshire Council. Partnerships and community manager Aileen McCreadie said: 'We're proud to support local projects like this which demonstrate the value of community-driven regeneration – Stonehouse Market is an outstanding example of how REF can enhance everyday life through sustainable and inclusive initiatives. 'It encourages people to adopt greener shopping behaviours and give back to their local communities, and it will no doubt prove to be a popular destination over the summer. Initiatives like this help reduce travel to out-of-town retailers, cut down on packaging waste, and shine a light on the quality and creativity of local producers. 'By supporting small, independent businesses, markets like this make sustainable choices easier and more enjoyable for everyone.'
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scottish Labour leader and UK Energy Minister visit major Scottish wind farm
Key political voices in high praise of energy developers Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar, and UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks have visited a pioneering wind farm in South Lanarkshire. During the visit to OnPath Energy's Kype Muir Wind Farm site, Mr Sarwar and Mr Shanks met with senior representatives from the firm, receiving a tour of the development, learning about the history of the project and the benefits it continues to deliver. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Home to 26 turbines, Kype Muir Wind Farm generates enough renewable energy to power over 63,000 homes annually while providing over £11m in community benefits across its 25-year lifespan. L-R Richard Dunkley - CEO (OnPath Energy), Gordon Thomson - Projects Director (OnPath Energy), Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, Anas Sarwar – Leader of Scottish Labour Party, Lee Wilkinson – Senior Police and Market Affairs Manager (OnPath Energy), Aileen McCreadie – Partnerships & Community Manager (OnPath Energy), Robin Winstanley – Sustainability & Community Director (OnPath Energy), Euan Wright – Wind Farm Manager (Kype Muir Wind Farm) The project is delivering significant benefits to the surrounding area, with over £700,000 distributed to local communities through the Kype Muir Community Panel Fund (KMCP) as part of its OnPath Together commitment. Each area is represented by two members on the KMCP panel, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to decision-making. The fund was further bolstered with the launch of the Kype Muir Wind Farm Extension developed by OnPath Energy (now owned by funds managed by Schroders Greencoat), which added a further 15 turbines to the overall site taking the lifetime community benefits of both sites to over £21m. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anas Sarwar, Leader of Scottish Labour said: 'It was fantastic to visit OnPath Energy to see their site at Kype Muir and learn about all the work they do. 'Businesses like OnPath are at the cutting edge of the transition to clean energy and have a vital role to play in delivering energy security and driving down bills. 'Scottish Labour will work hand in hand with companies like OnPath and the U.K government to put Scotland at the heart of the energy transition.' After Kype Muir Wind Farm became the first project in the UK to secure consent for 132-meter turbines, OnPath Energy launched in 2019, the Kype Muir Community Partnership (KMCP) which was established to ensure nearby communities benefit directly from the wind farm's success. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The initiative has proven highly effective, empowering five local community council areas to reinvest a share of the revenue into projects that are tailored to local issues and identified by local people. The purpose is to make community-driven action facilitate long-lasting benefits for the community's surrounding the projects. In addition, the community fund supported a jobs and skills collaboration with South Lanarkshire Council which has supported over 2000 people into employment or education. Notably, in collaboration with NATS, OnPath Energy (then Banks Renewables) funded a new radar system in 2019 for Glasgow Airport, which enabled the development of not only Kype Muir Wind Farm, it also unlocked £500m worth of development in the area from other projects. Kype Muir Wind Farm was also the first onshore wind site to benefit from the UK Governments Contract for Difference having taken part in Auction Round 1. Michael Shanks, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy and MP for Rutherglen said: 'OnPath Energy is leading the way in green energy and it was an honour to meet with them and learn more about the project's they lead. The Labour Government is committed to delivering the clean energy of the future and the jobs Scotland needs." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gordon Thomson, projects director at OnPath Energy said: 'It's been a pleasure to welcome Mr Sarwar and Mr Shanks to Kype Muir Wind Farm today and to share with them the story of a project that has come to symbolise what's possible in Scotland's transition to renewable energy. 'We set out with the vision to create something special here, and since going operational, Kype Muir has done just that, generating clean energy, creating local jobs, and delivering meaningful support through the KMCP. 'In addition to this, the launch of Kype Muir Extension was a huge moment for the renewables sector in Scotland, not just in terms of the scale and ambition of the engineering involved, but also in how it set a new benchmark for community involvement and benefit. 'These two sites have empowered communities to lead the way in identifying and funding local priorities, and we're incredibly proud of the lasting positive impact this model continues to have.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The original Kype Muir Wind Farm alone is expected to generate a lifetime local spend of approximately £123 million. Reflecting OnPath's ongoing commitment to supporting the local economy, local contractors were also prioritised throughout the construction and delivery of the Kype Muir Extension. Combined, both projects will contribute an estimated £188 million to the Scottish economy, with £159 million of that investment within a 60km radius of the site. Robin Winstanley, sustainability and community director said: 'Onshore wind is the clear winner of any energy generation project when it comes to delivering social and economic value for communities in Scotland, with over 60% of the lifetime spend within 40 miles of the sites' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We firmly believe that renewable energy must also empower people and communities. 'Through our OnPath Together commitment, we're ensuring that our developments create long-lasting, tangible value for those who live and work closest to them. 'This includes shared community ownership, education bursaries, real living wage jobs, and £5,000 per MW of installed capacity as a baseline community benefit. 'It also means prioritising local contractors to stimulate regional economies and delivering nature-positive solutions that restore and enhance biodiversity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Together, Kype Muir and Kype Muir Extension will generate over 155MW of renewable electricity annually, enough to power more than 123,000 homes, equivalent to a city larger than Aberdeen.
