ESB has reached Final Investment Decision (FID) and executed the principal construction agreements for the 96MW Chleansaid Wind Farm, near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands. The move signals the start of delivery for one of the utility’s most strategic renewable projects and its first ESB-developed onshore wind scheme in Scotland.

The project, owned 100% by ESB, will comprise 16 turbines with a total installed capacity of 96MW. It received planning permission in 2023 and has secured a 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD), providing a long-term route to market for its renewable generation.

Paul Lennon, Head of Renewables, ESB, said: "Reaching Final Investment Decision for Chleansaid is a major milestone for ESB and a significant step in the delivery of our renewable energy ambitions across Scotland and the UK. As our first wholly developed onshore wind project in Scotland, Chleansaid demonstrates our long-term commitment to investing in clean, secure and home-grown energy.

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"Working alongside our partners GE Vernova, Kirby Group and Farrans, we are proud to move into the construction phase of a project that will deliver lasting economic and environmental benefits for the Highlands and help accelerate the transition to a net zero future."

Stephen Gethins, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy, Scottish government, said: "This decision is a significant vote of confidence in Scotland as a place to invest in renewable energy. This reflects our desire for the energy transition to be reaching and benefitting communities across Scotland.

"Reaching Final Investment Decision marks the point at which a project moves from development into delivery, and projects like Chleansaid will play an important role in supporting economic growth, energy security and Scotland's transition to net zero including in the Highlands and elsewhere. I congratulate ESB and its partners on reaching this important milestone."

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the wind farm targeted to achieve commercial operation in 2028.

Developed by ESB’s in-house team, Chleansaid is a flagship project within the company’s onshore wind portfolio and the first to progress into construction from an approximately 2GW pipeline of onshore opportunities in development across Scotland and Wales.

Under the delivery strategy, GE Vernova will supply the wind turbine generators and provide long-term service support; Kirby Group will deliver the Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP); and Farrans Construction will deliver the Civil Balance of Plant (CBoP).