Railpen expands green energy portfolio with 66 MW wind project in North Argyll

Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the United Kingdom (UK) announced that it has entered a joint venture with GreenPower, a renewable energy player, to co-develop the circa 66 megawatt (MW) Barachander onshore wind project.

This investment expands the existing partnership under which Railpen and GreenPower jointly own the 45 MW operational Carraig Gheal Wind Farm.

Situated in North Argyll, the Barachander project is regarded as the ‘sister’ project to the existing Carraig Gheal wind farm. The project is currently at the pre-planning consultation stage.

The intention of the two organisations is to submit a planning application later this year.

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This new project builds on Railpen’s wider green energy investments, highlighting its dedication to delivering stable, long-term returns for its members while positively impacting the environment.

With the inclusion of Barachander, Railpen will be contributing to energy supply for more than 250,000 homes through its portfolio of renewable assets.

Rob Forrest, GreenPower CEO, said, “Our partnership with Railpen is a very positive one, and it is brilliant that our own independent Scottish company and the country’s railway workers can combine our resources in this way, to not just create new green energy, but to make a difference to people locally and nationally.”

He added, “The Barachander Wind Farm is proposed in a good location for a relatively modest number of turbines with good energy yield. We are also creating the Argyll Hydrogen Hub in the region, and Barachander can play a part in this powerhouse for clean renewable energy in the north of Argyll.”

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The Barachander development will be situated in an upland area adjacent to an existing hydroelectric facility and within a large commercial forestry plantation.

The project plans to install between nine and eleven modern, efficient wind turbines, each up to 180 meters tall.

It will adhere to current Scottish Government guidelines by contributing £5,000 per MW of installed capacity annually to a community benefit fund, potentially exceeding £300,000 per year for local projects.

Access for major components will use the 34km timber haul road built by GreenPower for the Carraig Gheal project, which now serves as a key route for timber transport, reducing heavy traffic on public roads.