RWE Breaks Ground on Golticlay Wind Farm in Northern Scotland
RWE, the United Kingdom’s leading power generator and a global leader in renewable energy, has officially commenced construction on its Golticlay Onshore Wind Farm in Caithness, Scotland. Located approximately five kilometres northwest of the village of Lybster, this major onshore wind development marks another significant step forward in Scotland’s transition to clean, homegrown energy.
The Golticlay Wind Farm will feature 11 cutting-edge wind turbines from the Nordex Group, each standing 180 metres tall to the tip of the blade and equipped with an individual generating capacity of 5.7 megawatts (MW). Once operational, the site will deliver a total installed capacity of 62.7 MW—enough renewable electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 84,000 Scottish homes every year. The project is expected to reach full commissioning and begin generating electricity at full capacity by the end of 2026.
Victoria Allen, Head of Onshore Development, Scotland at RWE, commented on the project’s significance:
“This is an exciting moment as work begins on the Golticlay Onshore Wind Farm, a project that underscores our commitment to Scotland’s renewable energy sector. Golticlay will not only generate clean, home-grown power but also deliver economic benefits at a regional level, boosting local businesses and creating jobs in the area.”
Golticlay is part of a broader suite of RWE’s wind energy developments currently under construction in Scotland, joining the Enoch Hill (70 MW), Camster II (36 MW), and Strathy Wood (70 MW) projects. Once fully operational, these four projects will collectively contribute 231 MW of installed capacity to Scotland’s renewable energy mix, advancing national efforts to reach net zero emissions and strengthen energy security.
To carry out the construction of the Golticlay Wind Farm, RWE has appointed two primary contractors. Leading the civil engineering works is Farrans Construction, a respected firm with a track record of major infrastructure delivery across the UK. Farrans is committed to engaging regional businesses and subcontractors to maximise local economic impact. One such collaboration is already in place with Alan Gow Groundworks, a local contractor that expects to employ around 25 personnel on-site during the course of its contract, further demonstrating RWE’s emphasis on community engagement and regional job creation.
Patrick Murray, Regional Director at Farrans, said:
“We are proud to be a part of the Golticlay project, which will bring transformative benefits to both the local economy and Scotland’s renewable energy goals. By partnering with regional businesses and engaging the local workforce, we aim to maximize the positive impact of this project across Caithness.”
RWE has also partnered with the Nordex Group, a global leader in wind turbine manufacturing, to supply 11 turbines from its Delta4000 series—the N149/5.7 model—well-suited for the wind conditions in northern Scotland. The turbines and their components will be delivered via the nearby port of Wick, providing a logistical advantage while also supporting the local economy.
Nicholas Smith, Project Manager for UK & Ireland at Nordex Group, emphasized the collaborative effort involved:
“Nordex is thrilled to be part of the Golticlay Wind Farm, which demonstrates the power of local collaboration in driving green energy solutions. Our work with Scottish businesses and use of the port of Wick ensures not only high-performance energy generation but also meaningful benefits for the community.”
The Golticlay project aligns with Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy targets and contributes directly to the country’s climate action commitments. In addition to environmental benefits, the project is designed to deliver tangible socio-economic gains, including local employment opportunities, infrastructure investment, and community support initiatives to be developed in consultation with residents and local authorities.
As one of the UK’s most experienced and committed renewable energy developers, RWE continues to play a key role in the decarbonisation of the UK’s energy system. The launch of Golticlay not only strengthens its presence in Scotland but also signals continued investment in sustainable energy solutions that bring long-term value to communities and the climate alike.
With construction now underway and a clear timeline toward operation, Golticlay Wind Farm represents both an immediate boost to Scotland’s green economy and a long-term asset in its clean energy future.
