RWE, the UK’s number one power producer and one of the world's leading renewable energy companies, is pleased to announce that it has received planning committee approval for Enoch Hill 2, an extension to the Enoch Hill Wind Farm, located near the village of New Cumnock in East Ayrshire. The formal decision notice is expected from East Ayrshire council early 2025.
The approved project will feature two wind turbines, each with a tip height of 150 meters, and a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW) each and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 11 megawatts (MW). Once operational, Enoch Hill 2 will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 11,500 homes annually. The wind farm will also contribute around £50,000 per year in community benefit funding, subject to the final installed capacity of the project.
Victoria Allen, Head of Onshore Renewables Development Scotland, commented: “We are thrilled to have secured planning committee approval for Enoch Hill 2. This project represents another step towards supporting Scotland’s renewable energy goals while delivering benefits to the community in East Ayrshire. With Enoch Hill 1 progressing, we are confident in the success of this extension, which will further enhance the region’s contribution to a sustainable energy future.”
The success of Enoch Hill 2 builds on the ongoing progress at Enoch Hill 1, a 60 megawatt (MW) 15-turbine project currently under construction. Erection of the wind turbines is well underway, with nine out of 15 turbines fully installed and the remaining six partially completed. Major civil works are finished, and all large machinery has been demobilised, signalling significant progress on-site.
The first phase of commissioning for Enoch Hill 1 is expected to begin after grid connection in June 2025. The Enoch Hill 1 Wind Farm Community Fund Consultation is currently underway and an online survey is available to help shape how the fund is developed. The consultation is open until 12th January 2025 and the results will be communicated in spring/summer 2025.
Once complete, the Enoch Hill Wind Farm, including the new extension, will contribute up to 70MW of renewable energy capacity, reinforcing the region as a hub for renewable energy and creating long-term value for the local community.
Final investment decision for Enoch Hill 2 is anticipated late 2025, with construction scheduled to commence in spring 2026. The project is expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2027.
RWE has a successful history of delivering onshore wind in the UK. It already operates a portfolio of 32 onshore wind sites with a combined installed capacity of 735 megawatts (MW), and has a further 168 megawatts (MW) currently under construction in Scotland. In addition, the company has a strong onshore wind development pipeline of 22 projects across Scotland and Wales.
