Plans to provide £65 million in community benefits has edged closer after work began on a new wind farm in the Doon Valley.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been appointed as principal contractor for the Brockwell Energy-led development at the North Kyle wind farm near Dalmellington.

When complete the wind farm will have the capacity to power more than 160,000 households.  

Not only will the development aim to support the community, it has also allowed for crucial working opportunities for young apprentices.

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The £300 million scheme will be situated on and around the former Chalmerston and House of Water coal mining sites.

First devised in 2016, the development will be capable of generating 220.5 megawatts of renewable energy, with plans to provide £65m in community benefits over 40 years.  

Civil engineering work was completed in May, including construction of the SP Energy Networks (SPEN) substation platform and construction compound.

Scheduled activity for the North Wales-based firm includes constructing reinforced concrete foundations, excavating, and backfilling for cabling, as well as creating 24km of new access tracks and upgrading a further 20km to allow for turbine and transformer delivery.  

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Garod Evans, the company's contracts director, said: “This is our 20th Scottish wind farm, and it is of national significance in terms of scale, which is proof of our strong reputation in the sector. 

“Our highly skilled team has already been hard at work, which has allowed us to hit the ground running on the main bulk of the project.” 

The company’s Scotland-based personnel has been strengthened by the recruitment from the region’s talent pool, with around 100 staff, including apprentices, set to be onsite at peak times. 

Mr Evans added: “It’s wonderful to be able to create jobs opportunities for people in the community, and it is exactly what we did when we worked on the Benbrack wind farm, which is just a stone’s throw from North Kyle. 

“As with all our projects, we will be actively looking to join forces with local contractors to further strengthen our supply chain.” 

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The first power generation from the wind farm is expected in autumn 2024.

Richard Buckland, Brockwell Energy’s project manager, added: “The Jones Bros team were a pleasure to deal with during the tendering and contracting process.

"They have been consistent and reliable throughout and have brought some valuable and creative ideas on foundation design and final layout. 

“We look forward to working with them as we deliver this flagship project together.”