π Project Overview
Whitelee is Europe's largest onshore wind farm, spread across 55 kmΒ² of moorland on the Eaglesham Moor south of Glasgow. Built in three phases between 2007 and 2012, its 215 turbines have become a landmark of Scottish renewable energy. A visitor centre at the base of the moor welcomes over 80,000 visitors per year. The site has also been used for testing new turbine models.
Site Schematic
Schematic diagram β not to scale. Illustrative layout based on project specifications.
β‘ Key Facts
Europe's largest operational onshore wind farm
Built in three phases: Phase 1 (140 turbines, 2009), extensions adding 75 more
130 km of new roads built across the moor for construction
Visitor centre and walking/cycling trails open to the public year-round
Visible from Glasgow city on clear days
ScottishPower funds the Whitelee Community Fund β Β£1m+ annually
π§ Technical Specifications
| Capacity (MW) | 322 MW |
| No. of turbines/units | 215 |
| Turbine / unit model | Siemens SWT-2.3-82 (Phase 1), Siemens SWT-3.0 (ext) |
| Unit capacity | 2.3 MW each |
| Rotor diameter | 82 m |
| Hub height | 80 m |
| Foundation type | Gravity base (concrete) |
| Site area | 55 kmΒ² |
| Annual output | 1,500 GWh/year |
| Homes powered | 380,000 homes |
π Grid Connection & Infrastructure
| Grid connection point | Whitelee OFTO substation to Busby Grid substation, 25 km |
| Voltage | 275 kV |
π’ Development & Ownership
| Developer | ScottishPower Renewables |
| Owner / operator | ScottishPower Renewables (Iberdrola Group) |
| Year consented | 2006 |
| Construction started | 2006 |
| Commissioned / target | 2007 |
| Capex estimate | ~Β£1 billion (all phases) |
| Location | Eaglesham Moor, East Renfrewshire, 10 km south of Glasgow |
| Region | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55.68Β°N, 4.22Β°W |
π Project Timeline
2005
Section 36 consent granted by Scottish Ministers
Mar 2007
Construction begins
May 2009
Phase 1 opens β 140 turbines, 322 MW
2012
All extensions complete β 539 MW total
2015
Visitor centre opened
πΏ Environmental & Planning
The Eaglesham Moor is designated as an SSSI for upland heath and blanket bog habitats. An extensive habitat management and restoration plan was agreed as a planning condition. 2,000+ hectares of peat habitat is being managed and restored alongside the wind farm.