Watsonhead 33kV Wind Farm
As the ICP responsible for the Watsonhead Wind Farm, located near Allanton, North Lanarkshire, we played a key role in this project which features Scotland’s first two Enercon E138 turbines, delivering a combined capacity of 8.4MW—enough to power approximately 5,000 homes annually.
Our team faced unique challenges from the outset. To reduce costs, we proposed a shared 33kV grid connection with a neighbouring wind farm, but this required navigating separate planning consents and an 18-month delay caused by a Judicial Review linked to the adjacent development.
Despite these hurdles, we redesigned infrastructure agreements to clarify lender risks and maintained progress through rigorous contingency planning. Technically, the Enercon E138 turbines demanded bespoke synchronisation protocols to meet G99 grid standards, particularly under curtailment conditions—a first-of-its-kind challenge in the UK that we resolved through close collaboration with the turbine manufacturer and detailed electrical studies.
Environmental stewardship was central to our approach. We optimised cable routes to avoid sensitive peatlands and watercourses, while adaptive reduction systems ensured compliance with strict noise limits during operation. Post-commissioning, the site achieved 99.8% uptime, validated through comprehensive noise audits and grid compliance testing. This project not only secured Contract for Difference (CfD) backing for our client but also set a benchmark for shared infrastructure models, proving that strategic ICP expertise can transform technical and legal complexities into operational successes.
Watsonhead stands as a testament to how innovative grid solutions and resilient project management can advance renewable energy goals, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. It is the blueprint we now apply to similar multi-site developments across the UK.