Latest news with #AlanWells
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Work begins on £155m South Lanarkshire wind farm set to power 45,000 homes
The 33.4 MW onshore wind project will feature some of the UK's most advanced turbines, harnessing cutting-edge technology to maximise energy generation and efficiency. Work has officially begun on a multi-million pound wind farm in South Lanarkshire, marking a key milestone in Scotland's renewable energy ambitions. The £155 million Mill Rig Wind Farm, brought forward by leading UK renewables developer OnPath Energy, will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 45,000 homes annually once fully operational in 2026. Construction activity on site, near Darvel, is now well underway, with essential infrastructure work – including access roads, substation foundations, and site preparation – progressing at pace. The 33.4 MW onshore wind project will feature some of the UK's most advanced turbines, harnessing cutting-edge technology to maximise energy generation and efficiency. Over the coming months, teams will prepare crane pads and lay the turbine foundations. The first turbine components are expected to arrive on-site in the Autumn 2025, with installation and commissioning scheduled for early 2026. Alan Wells, project manager at OnPath Energy, said: 'Breaking ground on Mill Rig is a huge milestone for OnPath Energy and a major step forward in delivering this strategically important renewable energy project. 'The start of construction marks the culmination of extensive planning, environmental assessments, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure the project is developed responsibly and builds community value for local people and businesses to support a just transition to net zero that is fair and inclusive for everyone. 'Our team is now focused on progressing construction efficiently, with strict adherence to best environmental practices and health and safety standards.' Mill Rig is set to provide long-term economic benefits to the local community and Scotland's renewable energy sector. As part of the Hamilton-based firm's OnPath Together development approach throughout construction, the project is expected to directly support around 300 jobs, with many more generated indirectly through the wider supply chain. OnPath Energy has committed to prioritising local contractors and businesses, with £91 million invested within 60km of the site. Alan added: 'Beyond delivering clean, green electricity, Mill Rig Wind Farm represents a major opportunity to invest in local talent, create jobs, and provide long-term economic value. 'We are committed to maximising the benefits of our projects, from supporting local businesses during construction to reinvesting in communities through our OnPath Together approach to development.' Over its lifetime Mill Rig Wind Farm will deliver a £5 million community fund supporting local groups, and environmental projects within a 10km radius of the site plus, South Lanarkshire Council is set to receive approximately £18 million in business rates. Mill Rig Wind Farm is the latest in a series of landmark renewable energy projects delivered by OnPath Energy. Locran Hayes, contracts manager at RJ McLeod said: 'We're very pleased to be awarded the contract to construct Mill Rig Wind Farm. 'This is our fourth project with the OnPath team who recognise the skills and experience of our staff and operatives, as well as our track record of using local resources and services. We look forward to jointly delivering this important energy asset.' OnPath Energy recently completed the Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm (now owned by funds managed by Schroders Greencoat LLP), which became the first in the UK to feature turbines with 200-metre tip heights – a breakthrough in onshore wind technology. With a growing portfolio, OnPath Energy has secured planning permission for 14 wind farms and currently operates 12 onshore wind farms across the UK, with a combined generation capacity of around 252 MW.
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New £155 million wind farm will power 45,000 Scottish homes from next year
'Breaking ground on Mill Rig is a huge milestone for OnPath Energy and a major step forward in delivering this strategically important renewable energy project' – Alan Wells, project manager Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Work has officially begun on a £155 million Scottish wind farm that will power some 45,000 homes. The onshore Mill Rig Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire is being developed by Scottish firm OnPath Energy and should be fully operational by next year. Construction activity on site is said to be well underway, with essential infrastructure work, including access roads, substation foundations and site preparation, progressing 'at pace'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 33.4-megawatt wind project will feature some of the UK's most advanced turbines, harnessing 'cutting-edge technology' to maximise energy generation and efficiency, developers said. The first turbine components are expected to arrive on-site this autumn, with installation and commissioning scheduled for early 2026. (L-R) Michael Brady (OnPath Energy), Lorna Hull (OnPath Energy), Alan Wells (OnPath Energy), Construction Director Martin Kellerman (OnPath Energy), Shakthivelu Thanghavel (RJ McLeod), Lorcan Hayes (RJ McLeod), Mhairi Grossett and Michael Newton (OnPath Energy). Alan Wells, project manager at OnPath Energy, said: 'Breaking ground on Mill Rig is a huge milestone for OnPath Energy and a major step forward in delivering this strategically important renewable energy project. 'The start of construction marks the culmination of extensive planning, environmental assessments, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure the project is developed responsibly and builds community value for local people and businesses to support a just transition to net zero that is fair and inclusive for everyone. 'Our team is now focused on progressing construction efficiently, with strict adherence to best environmental practices and health and safety standards.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The firm said the wind farm would provide long-term economic benefits to the local community and the wider renewable energy sector north of the Border. The project is expected to directly support around 300 jobs, with 'many more' generated indirectly through the wider supply chain. OnPath Energy said it was committed to prioritising local contractors and businesses, with £91m invested within some 40 miles of the site. Wells added: 'Beyond delivering clean, green electricity, Mill Rig Wind Farm represents a major opportunity to invest in local talent, create jobs, and provide long-term economic value. 'We are committed to maximising the benefits of our projects, from supporting local businesses during construction to reinvesting in communities through our OnPath Together approach to development.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over its lifetime, the wind farm will deliver a £5m community fund supporting local groups, and environmental projects within a short radius of the site. Mill Rig is the latest in a series of key renewable energy projects delivered by OnPath Energy. Locran Hayes, contracts manager at RJ McLeod, said: 'We're very pleased to be awarded the contract to construct Mill Rig Wind Farm. This is our fourth project with the OnPath team who recognise the skills and experience of our staff and operatives, as well as our track record of using local resources and services. We look forward to jointly delivering this important energy asset.' OnPath Energy recently completed the Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm - now owned by funds managed by Schroders Greencoat LLP - which became the first in the UK to feature turbines with 200-metre tip heights - seen as a breakthrough in onshore wind technology.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Developer urges SMEs to attend £91m workstream event
Businesses across South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire are being urged to be part of a must-attend event offering the chance to be part of a lucrative supply chain for a new wind farm. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Since receiving planning permission in 2022, OnPath Energy's Mill Rig Wind Farm is set to inject £91 million into businesses within a 60km radius over its 30-year lifespan, supporting around 300 jobs. Glasgow-based civil engineering firm RJ McLeod is inviting a wide range of contractors to attend a Supplier Development Programme event, taking place at Rutherglen Town Hall on Wednesday 28 May from 2pm to 3.30pm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Robin Winstanley, sustainability & community director at OnPath Energy, said: "The Mill Rig Wind Farm will bring substantial environmental, energy security and community benefits to the local area. Alan Wells, senior project manager (OnPath Energy), Lorcan Hayes, contracts manager (RJ McLeod) and Martin Kellerman, construction director (OnPath Energy) 'We're committed to our 'OnPath Together' development approach, which ensures maximum benefit for the local economy by prioritising businesses and suppliers closest to our projects." "This event provides an excellent platform for local businesses and service providers to connect directly with our primary contractor and explore how they can contribute to this significant renewable energy development." A broad range of companies are being encouraged to attend, particularly those offering services such as electrical and plumbing, fencing, steel fixing, and joinery. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other priority sectors include agricultural suppliers, timber mills, builders' merchants, equipment hire firms, waterproofing and construction contractors, traffic management, and accommodation providers. The Supplier Development Programme will also be on hand to offer free tender training to SMEs looking to secure future work on the project. RJ McLeod has been appointed to deliver the balance of plant contract covering civil engineering, cabling and off-site highway construction. Jamie Corser from RJ McLeod said: 'These kinds of developments are more than just construction projects they bring long-term work, help sustain local jobs and give a real boost to the wider economy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'This event is a great chance for local businesses to find out how they can get involved and be part of something that will have leave lasting legacy in the area. 'OnPath Energy and RJ McLeod have a strong track record of involving local SMEs in their projects, and that's something we are really proud to be supporting with this event. 'If you think your business could play a part, I'd really encourage you to come along and make those connections.' The six-turbine Mill Rig Wind Farm, located on the border between South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire near Darvel, will have an installed capacity of 33.4MW, enough to power over 45,000 homes annually. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Beyond the immediate economic impact, OnPath Energy's Mill Rig Wind Farm will establish a community fund providing up to £167,000 annually to support local charities and community groups, equating to potentially £5 million over the project's 30-year lifespan. Additionally, £450,000 will be invested in local training and employment opportunities during the first five years of operation. Business representatives interested in attending this free event should register in advance at For more information about OnPath Energy and its community initiatives, please visit To learn more about OnPath Energy, please visit:
