Wind farm helping power production of Irn-Bru opens in South Kyle

A wind farm which will help power the production of Irn-Bru has officially been opened.

The South Kyle site will supply a total of 22GWh per year to AG Barr facilities – including the drink manufacturer’s factory in Cumbernauld.

The supply amounts to the equivalent electricity used by 6000 UK homes annually.

The 50 turbine farm is located between East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway and was first approved six years ago.

AG Barr signed a contract with developer Vattenfall in 2020 for 100% renewable electricity at its plants.

Vattenfall’s chief executive officer Anna Borg said: “Vattenfall has a strong pipeline of onshore wind projects in Scotland, reflecting our confidence that it is a stable environment for ongoing investment.

“South Kyle wind farm is an excellent example of investors, national and local authorities, and local communities working together to deliver the infrastructure we need for fossil-free living.”

The development was also welcomed by energy minister Gillian Martin.

She said: “Projects like South Kyle wind farm are key to helping us deliver on our ambitions for net zero and in creating a lasting legacy for our communities.

She added that a promise to invest £38m in the local community over its 25 years of operation was “particularly welcome”.