Longstanding West Lothian Wind Farm Finds New Owner
A well-established onshore wind farm in West Lothian has officially changed hands, as OnPath Energy, a prominent renewable energy developer, recently acquired the Pates Hill Wind Farm from GCP Infrastructure Investments Ltd. The wind farm, located south of West Calder, has been operational since 2010 and features seven turbines with an installed capacity of 14MW, capable of meeting the annual electricity needs of approximately 11,500 homes.
OnPath Energy, with its Scottish office based in Hamilton, now adds the Pates Hill Wind Farm to its portfolio, which already includes 12 UK onshore wind farms, including two in South Lanarkshire. The company is set to begin constructing three additional onshore wind farms in Scotland within the next 18 months, demonstrating its commitment to expanding renewable energy generation.
Richard Dunkley, CEO of OnPath Energy, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition and the potential for enhancing local community involvement in the project. He stated, “The Pates Hill Wind Farm acquisition aligns with our development strategy, ensuring positive outcomes for all stakeholders, particularly the local communities benefitting from the generated revenues.”
OnPath Energy boasts a robust pipeline of over 3GW of renewable energy generation and electricity storage capacity, with plans for significant growth in the renewable energy sector. The company’s recent acquisition of the Pates Hill Wind Farm marks a strategic move following its acquisition by Brookfield Asset Management in 2023 through the Brookfield Global Transition Fund II.
Philip Kent, CEO of Gravis Capital Management, the Investment Adviser to GCP Infrastructure Investments Ltd, also expressed satisfaction with the transfer of ownership, foreseeing positive stewardship of the asset under OnPath Energy’s management.
The acquisition of the Pates Hill Wind Farm signifies a step forward in sustainable energy development and community engagement, reflecting the ongoing trend towards renewable energy solutions in Scotland’s energy landscape. With the transition to new ownership, the wind farm is poised to continue contributing to local communities and advancing renewable energy initiatives in the region.
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The acquisition of the Pates Hill Wind Farm by OnPath Energy signals a continued shift towards renewable energy development in Scotland. The transaction not only underscores the growing importance of sustainable energy solutions but also highlights the need for active community involvement in renewable energy projects. As companies like OnPath Energy expand their portfolios and engage with local communities, the renewable energy sector in Scotland is set to play a crucial role in meeting energy demands sustainably.