Nadara, the largest independent power producer (IPP) of onshore wind in Europe, today announces the launch of the United Kingdom’s first Sustainable Decommissioning Strategy for Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm in Argyll, Scotland, setting a new benchmark for environmental stewardship and socio-economic enhancement in the industry.
Decommissioning Sustainably
Developed in partnership with Reblade, the country’s first specialist wind turbine decommissioning service, the comprehensive strategy focuses on circularity, creating more sustainable supply chains and enhancing socio-economic benefits during the decommissioning process.
The new Sustainable Decommissioning Strategy will form a critically important chapter in the Beinn Ghlas repowering planning application, exploring circular destinations for the decommissioned material that will be removed from the site. As one of the oldest wind farms in the UK, Beinn Ghlas began operations in May 1999. The 25-year-old site comprises 14 Bonus (B44/600) wind turbines, providing an overall capacity of 8.4MW.
Nadara expects to submit an application for consent to replace the existing turbines with new, larger and more efficient turbines, substantially increasing the generating capacity of the site.
Joanna Thornton, Beinn Ghlas Wind Farm Repowering Project Manager said: “The strategy provides an incredibly exciting opportunity to maximise the socio-economic benefits of the decommissioning process to the local economy.”
Azahar Gomez, Head of Development, Nadara said: "We are thrilled to launch this important strategy together with our trusted partner, Reblade, which signals our commitment to sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of our wind farms.
“With over 30 years of experience following the recent merger of Ventient Energy and Renantis, we are confident in our ability to lead on new and innovative practices that enhance the reuse, repurpose and recycle network and add sustainable value across the supply chain.”
Fiona Lindsay, Managing Director, Reblade said: “As the first strategy of its kind in the UK, this initiative not only highlights Nadara’s forward-thinking approach but it also serves as an inspiring model for others in the industry to follow.
“As the onshore wind industry begins decommissioning the first generation of wind farms at scale, it is essential that leading companies take a proactive and responsible approach to material handling at every stage. We are delighted to be partnering with Nadara to develop this important piece of work and we look forward to seeing this approach become more commonplace in our industry.”