Construction of Vattenfall’s Clashindarroch II onshore wind farm near Huntly is demonstrating how renewable energy projects can reduce emissions across their full lifecycle while delivering benefits for local communities and the environment.
The 63 MW wind farm, currently under construction in Aberdeenshire, builds on more than a decade of renewable energy generation at the existing Clashindarroch site. Once operational, it is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 61,500 UK homes (1) each year and avoid around 90,800 tonnes of CO₂ annually (2) by displacing fossil-fuel generated electricity.
Alongside electricity generation, the project is targeting emissions associated with materials, construction and operations. This includes using low‑emission steel for turbine towers, which is estimated to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the towers by around 36 per cent compared with conventional steel (3). The wind turbine foundations will also incorporate recycled steel and lower‑carbon concrete mixes (5).
Construction emissions could also be reduced through the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for site machinery, alongside hybrid equipment including excavators and generators, while on‑site batching plants (4) are minimising transport‑related emissions.
Protecting the local environment is a central part of the project, with independent ecological specialists overseeing works and a comprehensive Species Protection Plan in place. Habitat restoration, tree planting and long‑term monitoring for species including Scottish wildcats, pine martens, bats, otters, badgers and red squirrels are being delivered alongside construction.
Once operational, Clashindarroch II will provide around £315,000 per year in community benefit funding. With the existing Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, more than £500,000 will be invested annually in local communities. First power is expected in 2027.
Matt Bacon, Head of Onshore Market Development UK at Vattenfall, said:
“Clashindarroch II shows what modern onshore wind can deliver. We’re not just generating renewable electricity, we’re reducing emissions across the whole project lifecycle and making sure the benefits are felt locally. By working closely with our supply chain and contractors, we’re building in practical carbon‑reduction measures from the outset, while supporting nature and providing long‑term value for the communities around the site.”