UK’s largest consumer-owned wind farm takes major step towards completion

The Kirk Hill Wind Farm took a significant step toward becoming operational this week as the blades began to be fitted to the first four of its eight turbines. 

The wind farm itself is significant, being the largest in the UK that is consumer-owned.

Managed and run by Ripple Energy, Kirk Hill will have a total capacity of 18.8MW with the potential to power around 20,000 households and businesses. In less than 10 minutes, the wind farm will be able to generate enough electricity to power a home for a year and will save 31,760 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Prospective members in Ripple’s projects can buy a share from as little as £25 up to 120% of their energy needs (this would not reduce the members’ bill to zero, because there’s a lot more to an energy bill than simply the energy).

More than 5,600 households and businesses across the UK have invested in Kirk Hill Wind Farm, and on average, they are predicted to save £269 in the first year.

Ripple Energy recently commissioned a survey that uncovered widespread support for renewable energy projects in Scotland, with 67% of Scots voicing their support for renewable projects in their area, and 58% more likely to support the development of a wind turbine or solar park if they had the opportunity to own part of it and lower their energy bills.

Sarah Merrick, founder, and CEO of Ripple Energy said: ‘Kirk Hill Wind Farm represents the future of green energy. It is owned by 5,600 proud individuals who will benefit from the clean, low-cost energy generated by its turbines. From the moment they left the factories and made their journey across the Mediterranean and into the Port of Ayr, our members have been avidly following their journey. There’s a sense of history being made here on the west coast of Scotland as construction gets underway.

‘Those who want a zero-carbon future can now part-own renewable energy projects, and directly benefit from lower and more stable electricity bills over the long-term. The future is consumer-owned renewable energy, and thousands of people in the UK have already joined the movement.’