- Two wind turbines add 4.7MW capacity to Scottish wind farm
- Expansion reflects ongoing commitment to projects with ‘ESG values at their core’
Blackfinch Energy has further bolstered its UK-based renewable energy portfolio with the construction of Bradley Wind 2, its first subsidy free wind farm in Scotland.
The project sees two new turbines added to the existing three turbine onshore scheme in Deuchries, Aberdeenshire, which was initially acquired through its energy investment holding company, Sedgwick Trading Ltd, in December 2020.
The move will increase the total annual renewable energy capacity of Blackfinch Energy - a leading investor in renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects – from 104 Gigawatt hours (GWh) to c. 118 GWh. Construction of the new, E-82 ENERCON turbines, which have a capacity of 2.35 Megawatts (MW) each, was completed in April 2022, and has already generated its first two month’s income.
Blackfinch Energy has entered into a grid connection agreement with electricity distributor SSE and a power purchase agreement (PPA) is in place with Smartest Energy.
Alex Common, Legal Director at Blackfinch Energy, said the extension of the site was reflective of the company’s ‘ongoing commitment’ to investment in projects with ‘environmental, social and governance (ESG) values at their core’.
He said: “Onshore wind remains one of the most viable, sustainable energy sources to help the UK meet climate change targets. By increasing the capacity of domestic renewable energy, we are also creating stability in the provision of UK green energy.
“Currently, our investments into solar and wind farms generate, on average, over £85,000 into local community projects. So, not only are we building out more resilient clean energy for the UK, but we’re also making a difference on the ground in the local area.
“In that respect, our investment in Bradley Wind 2 is reflective of our own environmental, social and governance values, while also focusing on projects that can bring about a strong return for our clients.”
Construction of the new turbines was financed by Close Leasing Ltd, and Blackfinch was advised on the deal by TLT LLP (acquisition / banking and property) and CMS Cameron Mckenna Nabarro Olswang LLP (commercial). Both the Turbine Supply Agreement (TSA) and the ongoing maintenance contract (EPK) are with ENERCON Wind Energy UK Ltd (ENERCON).
Balance of Plant (BOP) was provided by Green Cat Contracting Ltd, with Green Cat Renewables Ltd providing ongoing asset management support.
Rachel Bowes, ENERCON's Head of Sales for Great Britain says: "At ENERCON, we were delighted to be given the opportunity to supply two additional ENERCON E-82 turbines for Bradley Wind 2. This demonstrates not only an increase in energy production, but also the expansion and growth of our relationship with Blackfinch Energy.
“We look forward to continuing to work together through our long-term EPK service and maintenance contracts to ensure ongoing success for Blackfinch, their customers and community."
Ben Clarke, Client’s Engineer for the Construction Phase of the Deuchries Extension Project at Green Cat Renewables said: “Green Cat Renewables initially secured planning consent for the two additional Enercon E82 turbines at Deuchries, and have now assisted Blackfinch throughout the construction phase of the windfarm in a Client’s Engineer capacity. It’s a pleasure to see these two additional 2.35MW turbines producing green energy alongside the pre-existing three. Green Cat Renewables look forward to extending our Asset Management services for Blackfinch to the Deuchries Extension project, alongside the existing wind assets within the Blackfinch portfolio.”
Kirsty Nurse from CMS renewables added: “We’re delighted to be supporting Blackfinch Energy to deliver high quality renewable energy projects, a thriving company we know well through our collective work on a range of other renewables projects.
“CMS’s renewables team offers extensive experience in onshore wind farms which we put to the fore in advising Blackfinch on its first subsidy free development in Scotland.”
Gary Roscoe, partner at UK law firm TLT commented: “It was a pleasure to work with Blackfinch Energy, advising on the funding to support the construction of Bradley Wind 2. Blackfinch Energy’s commitment to placing ESG at the forefront aligns with our own mission to prepare our clients for what comes next. This investment represents a further step in the right direction for Blackfinch Energy - supporting the growth and development of Scotland’s energy infrastructure and facilitating our transition to net zero”.
Guy Lavarack, Head of Energy at Blackfinch added: “The energy sector is currently front and centre of the news agenda, and as the renewables sector continues to evolve in the UK, we are always looking to expand our portfolio.
“In doing so, we can help to reduce dependency on carbon inefficient energy sources and help to improve the energy markets for future generations.
“Working with our exceptional network of partners, we see this as the right time to develop and expand more sites across the UK, while also entering into the project lifecycle earlier so that we can reap the benefits of development and construction stages and deliver even stronger returns for investors.”
