Muirhall Energy welcomes consent for two Dumfriesshire wind farms

Independent Scottish renewable energy developer, Muirhall Energy has welcomed today’s decision [Thursday 24th September] by Scottish Ministers to grant consent for two new onshore wind farms in Dumfries and Galloway.

The consented Hopsrig and Loganhead wind farms, located close to Langholm and Lockerbie, will have a combined generating capacity of approximately 140MW, comprising 20 turbines across the two sites.

Together, the projects are expected to generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of more than 124,000 homes.

The consents mark a significant milestone for the two developments, which have been developed by Muirhall Energy over several years following extensive consultation with local communities, stakeholders and statutory consultees.

Hopsrig Wind Farm, located approximately 7.5km northwest of Langholm, will comprise 12 turbines with a maximum tip height of 200 metres. 

Loganhead Wind Farm, approximately 4km northwest of Langholm, will comprise eight turbines, also with a maximum tip height of 200 metres.

Both projects have been designed and subsequently revised in response to feedback received during the planning and consultation process. At Hopsrig, the revised layout removed one turbine and relocated three others to provide greater separation from the Esk Valley landscape. At Loganhead, one turbine was removed as part of the revised design.

Muirhall Energy has also made a significant commitment to ensuring that the economic benefits of the developments are shared with surrounding communities.

The company will provide community investment equivalent to £7,000 per MW of installed capacity each year. Across the two projects, this represents more than £900,000 of index linked community investment every year.

SARAH MCINTOSH, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MUIRHALL ENERGY stated:
“Today’s decision is an important milestone for Hopsrig and Loganhead and for the communities around Langholm, Lockerbie and the wider Dumfries and Galloway area.

“These projects have been shaped by extensive engagement and consultation, and we are delighted to be able to move forward with developments that will deliver significant new renewable energy generation that will contribute toward much needed energy security and the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan while creating a lasting economic legacy for local communities.”

The two developments are located on areas of existing commercial forestry plantation. Muirhall Energy has incorporated environmental enhancement measures into the proposals, including habitat improvement, native tree planting and peatland restoration.

Subject to the necessary pre-construction requirements and Final Investment Decision, construction is expected to begin in 2027.