ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) has been granted permission to extend Black Law Windfarm near Shotts by an additional 69MW, meaning its total capacity can be increased up to 193MW and making it one of the largest renewable energy developments in the UK. In total, this will see SPR’s installed and consented generating capacity in the UK rise to1.9GW.

The 23 turbine extension was today (22nd March) approved by Energy Minister Jim Mather MSP. It means that the windfarm will be able to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to 110,000 homes.

Black Law has been generating green electricity since 2005 and the plans to increase its capacity began in 2008.  The extension will cover two local authority areas, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.

SPR worked closely with aviation bodies NATS & BAA to ensure that agreements could be reached to see the development go ahead. The company will utilise the radar station in Kincardine that it built for Glasgow Airport during the construction of Whitelee Windfarm to ensure that there is no interference with aviation systems.

The good working relationships developed will further support the aims of the South West Scotland Regional Aviation Group, which seeks to ensure that the renewable energy industry can work positively alongside the aviation industry.

Construction is set to commence on the extension in 2012 and is expected to be completed in 2014.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, ScottishPower Renewables said:  “Black Law is an excellent example of a responsible renewable energy development, and the windfarm continues to make a very significant contribution to Scotland’s green energy targets.

“The windfarm at Black Law has been part of the landscape for over five years now and has generally been warmly welcomed by the community. We are delighted to be growing that relationship and will be investing over £200,000 annually in local projects and initiatives.”

• ScottishPower Renewables is part of Iberdrola Renovables, the largest wind energy company in the world with an installed capacity of more than 12,000 MW at the end of 2010, and a pipeline of over 60,000 MW.


• ScottishPower Renewables had around 930 MW of installed capacity at the end of 2010, and a pipeline of more than 7,400 MW.


• Iberdrola Renovables has a presence in 23 countries around the world.

Media Information: Simon McMillan, 0141 566 4875 / 07753 622 257