/LONDON, July 22, 2026, 9:00 BST, RENEWABLE MARKET WATCH™/ ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) has announced plans for a GBP 1.5 billion repowering project that will double the generation capacity of Whitelee, the UK’s premier onshore wind farm. This strategic investment is designed to significantly strengthen the nation’s energy security, support the creation of hundreds of skilled jobs, and unlock GBP 500 million in new opportunities for the domestic supply chain, reinforcing SPR’s leadership in the UK renewable energy sector.
Upon completion, the upgraded Whitelee facility is projected to deliver enough clean electricity to power approximately 650,000 homes—an increase of 300,000 compared to current output—contributing to long-term energy affordability for consumers. Strategically located just 20 minutes from central Glasgow, Whitelee stands as the largest onshore wind farm in the UK and features the Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, a flagship destination for education and stakeholder engagement in renewable energy. Over the course of its ten-year development and construction phase, the project is expected to contribute an estimated GBP 330 million inGross Value Added (GVA) to the Scottish economy, driving regional economic growth and supporting local businesses
As part of its commitment to inclusive growth, SPR will incorporate community ownership opportunities and expand its community benefit fund, setting a new benchmark for stakeholder engagement and local participation in large-scale renewable energy projects. To date, Whitelee has delivered GBP 20 million in community benefits to East Renfrewshire, East Ayrshire,and South Lanarkshire Councils. Under the new expansion plans, annual community benefit contributions are expected to increase to at least GBP 5 million, providing a sustained source of funding for local development initiatives. This project forms part of SPR’s record GBP 24 billion investment strategy through 2028, which is driving ambitious supply chain expenditure—over GBP 1 billion in the first half of 2026 alone—with 76% of spend allocated to UK-based companies. This approach not only accelerates the energy transition but also maximises the economic impact for the domestic market.
In addition to significant UK contract opportunities, SPR will implement a multi-port logistics strategy for the delivery of turbines and major components, maximising economic impact throughout Scotland. This coordinated approach is expected to generate further value across regional supply chains, create new business opportunities for Scottish ports, and drive local job creation in the renewables sector. Beyond the initial GBP 1.5 billion capital investment to expand and repower Whitelee, SPR is committed to ongoing investment in the site’s operation and maintenance over the next 40 years. This long-term commitment will sustain high-value service contracts, exemplified by recent UK company contract wins totalling over GBP 100 million for the existing onshore fleet, and will ensure continued economic growth and employment in the region well into the future.
Charlie Jordan, ScottishPower Renewables Chief Executive, said: “Whitelee is one of the largest windfarms in Europe and the jewel in the UK’s renewables crown, powering Greater Glasgow and beyond with clean, green power for almost two decades. We want to build on the existing success of our windfarms before they reach the end of their natural lifespan, and we lose the benefit of their clean power capacity. Whitelee will set the repowering standard, unlocking the continued potential of existing infrastructure. It also means re-benefitting communities with direct financial benefit as well as a groundbreaking opportunity for partial community ownership.”
He added: “At this critical moment in the push for home-grown clean, green energy, it’s important we don’t go in reverse and lose the clean capacity that’s been hard-earned over the last two decades as it comes to the end of its operational life. Retaining and increasing the output from Whitelee is good news for the UK and Scotland, good news for jobs and good news for the community and economy.”
The repowering strategy will involve replacing the current configuration with fewer, state-of-the-art turbines—reducing the total to 124 units, each approximately 250 meters in height. This technological upgrade will increase Whitelee’s total generating capacity from 539 MW to 1 GW, significantly enhancing operational efficiency, maximising energy yield, and solidifying the site’s role as a cornerstone of the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Beyond its energy generation capabilities, Whitelee has established itself as a flagship community and environmental asset. Comprehensive habitat restoration and accessibility initiatives have transformed the former moorland into a vibrant, multi-use resource, supporting outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community well-being. The site attracts local residents and nature enthusiasts and serves as a preferred educational destination for schools across Scotland, reinforcing its social and environmental value. Repowering activities will be staged across three carefully planned phases, ensuring uninterrupted public access throughout the construction period. Additionally, the project will deliver substantial upgrades to the Whitelee Visitor Centre, which has welcomed over one million visitors since its opening, further enhancing engagement, education, and tourism opportunities linked to the site.
Commissioned in 2008 and opened to the public in 2009 with 140 turbines, Whitelee has since expanded through two major extension phases—adding 36 turbines in the first and 39 in the second—culminating in a total of 215 turbines prior to the current repowering initiative. This phased development approach has allowed the site to continuously innovate and adapt, maintaining its position at the forefront of the UK’s renewable energy landscape. The multi-phase, long-term development timeline is specifically structured to provide the UK supply chain with the confidence and visibility necessary to invest in advanced equipment, workforce development, and new job creation. This approach will foster a more robust and resilient domestic supply chain ecosystem, amplifying the broader economic benefits of the Whitelee repowering project.
ScottishPower Renewables is actively collaborating with key landowners, including Forestry Land Scotland and Scottish Water, to ensure the long-term environmental stewardship and operational sustainability of the Whitelee site. These partnerships are integral to safeguarding the site’s contributions to the region’s clean energy future and community prosperity for generations to come. ScottishPower is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy.
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