Potential economic benefits from Craighead Wind Farm to businesses in Perth and Kinross have prompted the opening of formal supplier registration, allowing them to register interest in the project.
Local businesses across Perth and Kinross are being actively encouraged to register their interest in the commercial opportunities that will arise should plans for Craighead Wind Farm be approved.
Renewable energy developers Galileo have started to receive expressions of interest, and are keen that the process is formalised, yet made as straightforward as possible for local potential suppliers and contractors.
The proposed eight-turbine development, located north of Carnbo in Kinross-shire, is expected to deliver significant commercial benefit to the region, arising out of the construction and operation of the scheme. The wind farm will have an operational life of 40 years.
Analysis suggests an average cost for the wind farm of up to £65.4 million (based on a generating capacity of up to 49.6MW).
It is estimated that throughout the construction and operational phase of the proposed development that:
- Up to £9.1 million is anticipated to be spent within the local economy across the construction and operational phases.
- Up to 66 jobs will be created across Perth and Kinross.
- An estimated £24 million in business rates will be contributed to local services over the operational lifetime of the wind farm.
Galileo is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably practicable, local suppliers and contractors are used in all aspects of wind farm development.
The developer is also working with Perthshire Chamber of Commerce to maximise awareness of the portal and opportunities available in the local supply chain.
A planning application for Craighead Wind Farm was submitted to Perth and Kinross Council in August 2024.
The team behind the proposals, led by Galileo’s Senior Project Manager Jason Morin, are keen that local and regional businesses big and small are in touch with the project team directly and kept up to date with commercial opportunities as they emerge.
The supplier registration portal is now open at www.craigheadwindfarm.co.uk
Speaking after the launching the portal, Jason said:
“Through our continuing engagement with local communities on this project, we have made it clear that we are keen to ensure that we use local businesses and contractors in all aspects of wind farm development. Hence the opening of this portal to ensure that they can benefit.
“Independent estimates confirm that £33.7 million will be spent within the overall Scottish economy during the wind farm’s development and construction, with £9.1 million making a direct impact on Perth and Kinross.
“During operation, it has been estimated that up to 66 jobs will be created locally, with £600k per annum generated in business rates. It should be highlighted that these benefits are in addition to a community wealth fund of around £10 million, to be used by local communities.”
Vicki Unite, Chief Executive of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, commented:
“We are incredibly supportive of the opening of the portal, which will allow local businesses the opportunity to register interest and ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunities.
“Renewable energy developments such as this have the potential to deliver considerable investment, creating local jobs, boosting the skills of our current and future workforce and deliver sustainable economic growth.
“We are pleased to note Galileo’s commitment to prioritising the use of local suppliers and contractors in all aspects of the wind farm development. If the development is approved, we look forward to continuing to work with the company to maximise the opportunities available in the local supply chain.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Galileo
Galileo Empower is a multi-technology renewable energy developer, established in 2020 to support the once in a lifetime global transition to low carbon energy. It is committed to developing projects which deliver substantial and tangible benefits locally and foster strong community relations.
Their team has a proven track record in greenfield project development, and with a project development portfolio of over 7000MW across multiple European countries, including the UK, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, and Finland, Galileo is one of the fastest growing energy companies in the renewables sector.
The management team is made up of leading energy and investment experts who bring decades of international experience. The business is funded by long-term pension and infrastructure investors, who have already committed to investing £190m to take forward the development of new renewable energy projects across Europe, with the UK a key focus and its main office in Edinburgh.
Further information on Galileo is available at https://galileoempower.com/
About the project
Further information on Craighead Wind Farm is available at www.craigheadwindfarm.co.uk. Figures on economic impacts are taken from the Economic Impact Report, July 2024.