Windy Rig construction site
Windy Rig Wind Farm
Windy Rig Wind Farm is a subsidy-free project located on the Moorbrock Estate, 10km south of New Cumnock, Dumfries & Galloway.
The wind farm consists of 12 wind turbines, which have been operational since 2022. The total installed capacity is 43MW which can power the equivalent of approximately 41,000 homes per year with green energy.
During the construction of Windy Rig Statkraft was the first developer in the UK to use a blade adaptor to deliver the turbine blades to site.
The sale of the wind farm to Greencoat UK Wind PLC was agreed in December 2019. Statkraft continue to be involved, providing the day to day operational management services for Windy Rig.
| Company | Role |
| Greencoat UK Wind PLC | Owner |
| Statkraft | Operator |
Key Figures Windy Rig Wind Farm
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12Turbines
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43MWInstalled capacity
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December 2017Consented
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February 2020Construction started
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£215,000 per yearCommunity Fund
History
In December 2017, the project was granted planning permission by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Originally developed by Element Power, consultation with local communities and statutory consultees took place to develop Windy Rig Wind Farm. The project represents a natural extension to the existing and consented cluster of wind turbines at Windy Standard. As well as concentrating wind farms in one area, this also means infrastructure can be shared with other developments, reducing environmental effects.
In October 2018 Statkraft acquired Element Power Ireland Ltd, which included the consented Windy Rig Wind Farm. Many of the team that developed the project continued to be involved in its construction.
In January 2022 the project became fully operational and able to produce enough green electricity to power an estimated 41,000 homes per year.
Community Benefit Fund
Windy Rig Wind Farm provides a Community Benefit Fund worth over £215,000 per annum.
The fund is available throughout the lifetime of the wind farm for eligible projects or initiatives that deliver on local priorities.
The aim of the fund is to support eligible projects in the area that help delivery against their local community plan and priorities, for example projects that focus on:
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Community improvements
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Education
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Environment
Nine local communities worked together to agree how the fund would be allocated and managed. A third of the fund is managed by Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL) on behalf of the Carsphairn community.
The remaining two thirds of the fund is shared equally amongst the other 8 community councils. Foundation Scotland operate as a single point of contact and co-ordinating administrator for the communities while the distribution of funds is done locally through the following organisations: Penpont Community Council, Tynron Community Council, Upper Nithsdale Community Trust (on behalf of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm and Sanquhar), Glenkens and District Trust (on behalf of St John's Town of Dalry and Royal Burgh of New Galloway and Kells Community Councils), Glencairn Community Council and New Cumnock Community Council behalf of their communities.
For more information or to apply for funding, please contact CREFL or the groups listed above.
Media enquiries
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Alison Hood
Principal Community Engagement Manager
