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Hagshaw Energy Cluster Western Expansion
3R Energy, on behalf of Spirebush Ltd, submitted a Scoping Report to the Scottish Ministers in September 2022 to seek early consultation for a mixed renewable energy development on land to the west of the existing Hagshaw Energy Cluster in South Lanarkshire/East Ayrshire.
A formal Scoping Opinion was received from the Scottish Ministers in March 2023. In response to comments made by statutory consultees as part of that Scoping Opinion, we have taken the decision to phase the previously consulted development as follows.
Phase 1 – Dungavel & Netherwood (Wind, Solar & BESS)
Phase 1 will be taken forward initially and will comprise the wind turbines within Area A (Dungavel) and the solar, energy storage and substation within Area D (Netherwood) only. The site boundary will include a stretch of the existing B743 public highway to allow cables to be laid in the road verge to connect the turbines in Area A to the substation in Area D. The proposed new site boundary for Phase 1 is shown outlined in red on the plan above. Access to Phase 1, for turbine components, is currently proposed to be taken from J11 of the M74 through the eastern part of the existing Hagshaw Energy Cluster to meet the A70 west of Glespin (exact route tbc), then following the A70 to Muirkirk, before heading north along the B743 to the site.
Community benefit contributions from Phase 1 as currently proposed would amount to approximately £936,000 per annum for 40 years, totalling £37.4m over the project life. Detailed discussions will be held with the closest communities about how this funding should be apportioned.
Full details of the Phase 1 proposals are included within a Scoping Update Report which was issued to the Scottish Ministers in February 2024.
Phase 2 – Netherwood, Tardoes & Lightshaw (Wind & BESS) plus Green Hydrogen
In parallel with progressing the application for Phase 1, it is proposed that discussions with stakeholders will continue on the proposal to bring forward a separate application for the remaining components of the Hagshaw Energy Cluster- Western Expansion project outlined in blue on Figure 2.1 above (as ‘Phase 2’). Phase 2 of the development is currently proposed to comprise wind turbines within Areas B (Tardoes & Lightshaw) and C (Netherwood), and the green hydrogen in Area E. Phase 2 also has the potential to include a separate BESS and substation compound in Area B on land at Lightshaw adjoining the A70 east of Muirkirk.
It is currently proposed that an application for Phase 2 would be submitted once the potential impacts on, and benefits to, the Muirkirk & North Lowther Uplands Special Protection Area are further considered by all stakeholders. Access to Phase 2 for turbine components is currently proposed to be taken from J11 of the M74 through the existing Hagshaw Energy Cluster, directly onto the site.
Community Benefits
Based on current capacity, Phase 1 of the proposed development would generate up to £936,000 a year or £ 37.4 million over its lifetime of 40 years, in community benefit funding which would provide a substantial level of investment in the communities closest to the site. Potential exists to use a proportion of this funding to operate a Local Energy Discount Scheme for closest communities.
3R Energy are keen to hear the communities’ ideas on how the revenue from the project could be used to enhance the local area and deliver projects that provide lasting benefit.
Further Consultation
Following a series of public consultation events held in November 2022 in relation to the September 2022 Scoping Report, we now plan to hold a second round of public consultation events in March 2024 to inform local communities of the proposed changes to the development and to seek their comments. The second round of public consultation events will take place as follows:
• Sandford – Tuesday 19th Match 2024 at Sandford Village Hall, Stonehouse Road, Sandford from 2pm to 7pm
• Muirkirk – Wednesday 20th March 2024 at The Hub, Furnace Rd, Muirkirk from 2pm to 7pm
• Douglas – Thursday 21st March 2024, at the St Bride’s Centre, Braehead, Douglas from 2pm to 7pm
The public consultation events will be advertised in advance in local newspapers, online and with mail drops to the closest residents. The public consultation events will provide an opportunity for the local community to provide feedback on the changes to the project and help shape the final design of Phase 1 of the development.
The Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit (ECU) will separately consult all relevant stakeholders on the Scoping Update Report. If you have any questions regarding this project in the meantime, please contact the project team via:
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