SerpApi.Org
ScottishPower has unveiled plans to invest £1.5 billion to repower and expand Whitelee, the UK's largest onshore wind farm, in a project that will nearly double its generating capacity while strengthening Britain's energy security and supporting hundreds of jobs.
The proposed redevelopment will increase Whitelee's installed capacity from 539 megawatts to 1 gigawatt, enough to power the equivalent of 650,000 homes—around 300,000 more than today. The project forms part of ScottishPower's broader £24 billion UK investment program through 2028, aimed at accelerating the country's transition to domestically produced renewable energy.
Rather than adding more turbines, the company plans to replace Whitelee's existing fleet with 124 larger, more efficient turbines, each standing around 250 meters tall. The current wind farm, which has operated since 2008 and expanded to 215 turbines over two extension phases, is approaching the end of its original operational lifespan.
ScottishPower said the development is expected to generate £330 million in gross value added (GVA) for the Scottish economy during its decade-long development and construction period while creating around £500 million in supply chain opportunities. The company added that 76% of its supply chain spending during the first half of 2026 was with UK-based businesses, highlighting the project's domestic economic impact.
The utility also pledged to expand community participation through enhanced benefit funding and potential partial community ownership. Whitelee has already contributed more than £20 million to surrounding communities since entering operation, with annual community benefits expected to rise to approximately £5 million under the new proposal.
Located across East Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire, Whitelee has become one of Europe's best-known onshore wind farms and a popular recreational destination. ScottishPower said construction will be carried out in phases to maintain public access where possible.
The plans have been submitted to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit, with a formal planning application expected in December 2027. If approved, the upgraded wind farm is scheduled to enter operation by 2035, reinforcing the UK's efforts to expand homegrown renewable electricity and reduce reliance on imported energy.
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