The long-awaited extension of Harestanes Windfarm is made easier with the strength and skill of West of Scotland Heavy Haulage
By David Pollock
PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID POLLOCK
Work has finally begun on the £160 million, 71-turbine Harestanes Windfarm at Ae Forest – almost 10 years since it was first proposed. Scottish Power Renewables estimate construction will take up to two years to complete, at which point it will be the second largest windfarm in Scotland.
In September 2007, the project was granted planning permission by the Scottish government, after an onslaught of opposition at a major public inquiry. In 2003, it was planned to have 180 turbines erected on site, but eventually this was reduced massively to 71 turbines, with the capability of generating power for 120,000 homes.
Each turbine will stand at 121.5 m high. When the windfarm is complete, 11 km of tracks will open to the public.
A spokesperson from Scottish Power Renewables is certain of the long-term benefits of the project. “This is one of the largest renewable energy projects being developed in Scotland, and it will make a significant contribution to carbon reduction targets in Scotland and the UK as a whole.”
West of Scotland Heavy Haulage was called upon to deliver 71 turbines to Harestanes – on time and in one piece – using roads which were once thought only passable for logging trucks. West of Scotland has a strong fleet of powerful vehicles and trailers from a range of manufactures – a healthy mix of MAN, DAF, Scania and Volvo. This haulier is a major player in the North West, with a range of heavy haulage tractor units as well as a mixed fleet of Nooteboom and Broshuis trailers, with several of these being fully kitted out for their specialised duties.
Read the rest of this feature in the October issue of Trucking. Buy the magazine here
