Yorkshire Water agrees renewable energy purchase from new Highlands wind farm

An artist impression showing wind turbines in the Scottish highlands
Energy and environment General news

12/29/2023

Yorkshire Water is continuing its investment in renewable energy by agreeing to purchase electricity generated by the new Strathrory wind farm near Ardross and Alness in the Scottish Highlands.

Currently in construction, the new wind farm will consist of seven turbines that will be generating approximately 100,000 MWh a year from late 2025.

The power purchase agreement is the latest effort by Yorkshire Water to meet its 2030 Carbon net zero pledge and the electricity from Strathrory will provide approximately 17% of the annual power used by Yorkshire Water across its operations.

Daniel Oxley, Yorkshire Water commercial programme manager, said: “This project is a significant step in reaching our aims of carbon net zero by 2030 and supports our strategy of generating more of our own electricity and buying UK-generated renewable energy.

“Once completed, the Strathrory Wind Farm will provide approximately 17% of our annual power needs, increasing our renewable energy use, reducing our exposure to energy price volatility and reducing the operational costs of our sites, which will provide better value for money for our customers.”

The project was developed by Energiekontor AG and is being funded by Capital Dynamics. Once operational, it will benefit from Capital Dynamics’ and Energiekontor’s long-standing operations management experience.

Barney Coles, managing director and co-head of clean energy at Capital Dynamics, commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Yorkshire Water for this wind energy project. By supporting a national utility company with its goal of reaching net zero by 2030, we are emphasising Capital Dynamics’ commitment to responsible investing.

"This cross-industry project is an excellent example of how we can work hand in hand to both achieve the goals of decarbonisation and generate sustainable as well as affordable customer benefits. In this way, we are leveraging wide-ranging synergies. We are proud to be a part of it" says Peter Szabo, CEO of Energiekontor AG."