Proposals for Koehler Renewable Energy UK’s (KRE UK) six-turbine wind farm have been approved by Dumfries and Galloway Council, subject to conditions and the conclusion of a legal agreement.
The site is for up to six wind turbines, with a maximum height of 180 metres to the blade tip, on the Barr Moor, south of Kirkconnel & Kelloholm and approximately 4km southwest of Sanquhar in Dumfries & Galloway. The development will consist of six wind turbines with a generating capacity of up to 36MW.
A major development, the application (24/0025/FUL), was recommended for approval by planning officers. Proposals were approved by the Dumfries and Galloway Planning Committee on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
It is estimated that, over the construction and operational phases, Rowancraig will generate up to £6.6 million in spending within the local economy. An estimated 48 jobs will be created across Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire, and up to £2.8 million in LVA will be contributed to the local economy.*
The Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the project, noting the economic and supply-chain opportunities it presents. The Royal Burgh of Sanquhar and District Community Council has likewise recorded its support, noting the developer’s approach and the potential implications for the local area.
Since 2022, KRE UK has partnered with the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) to deliver support for school social enterprise projects. KRE elected to support the work of a leading charity committed to school-led social enterprises. KRE’s provided an annual support package worth £4,500 for skills development to support social enterprises that champion local causes through initiatives such as inclusion, recycling, and addressing fuel poverty.
KRE has also donated to transport costs to address the transport exclusion faced by rural children in accessing SEA’s national awards ceremony and Dragon’s Den events. The team has also donated paper supplies to the A’ The Airts Community Art Centre and the Brickfields Project, a programme to explore developing the remains of Sanquhar’s former brick workings.
A community benefit fund, worth approximately £180,000 per year, depending on the wind farm’s ultimate capacity, will benefit projects in the area, and conversations are already underway with local groups, including education partners and charities, about how to use it.
KRE UK held two rounds of statutory consultations in July and August 2023, in both Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. These followed an introductory event held in November 2022 in Sanquhar, which introduced KRE UK representatives and the project to residents. Following feedback received during the consultation process, the decision was made to reduce the number of 180m turbines from eight to six.
KRE UK Director, Alan Mathewson, said:
“The Koehler team is delighted that Dumfries and Galloway Council have approved our plans for Rowancraig.
“We’ve worked closely with politicians, stakeholders, and planning officers to refine and reflect comments presented at our consultation events, as well as feedback received from and to the Council.
“We believe that KRE UK’s approach to community engagement, and the fantastic response we have had, represent the level of sincere, practical, and honest dialogue communities should expect from the developers proposing to work in communities in Scotland.
“We are delighted that the proposal has been granted, and we look forward to continuing to engage with communities, as matters progress.”
James Johnstone, Schools Development Lead – Scotland, Social Enterprise Academy, said:
“The Social Enterprise Academy team would like to formally express its support for the Rowancraig Wind Farm and wish KRE every success in other projects across Scotland. It has been a pleasure to work with the team, and we believe that their values put communities first, with a genuine desire to support young people in the communities they work in, as well as to create a meaningful legacy of engagement, regardless of how individual projects are determined.”
Jamie Shovelin, Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The six-turbine proposals represent a significant supply chain opportunity and a chance to support apprenticeships and locally sourced jobs. The project will offer significant investment involving local business, and we look forward to working closely with KRE as matters progress.”