Jones Bros completes latest Scottish wind farm14th Oct 2013

An 18-turbine wind farm capable of generating enough electricity to power more than 20,000 homes is the latest renewable project to be completed by Jones Bros.

The Rothes 11 wind farm, near Elgin, in Scotland, consists of 18 Siemens 2.3MW turbines and is an extension to an adjacent development nearby that contains 22 turbines.

Jones Bros, who carried out the work on behalf of client Fred. Olsen Renewables, (FOR) was responsible for the design and construction of the balance of plant civils and electrical infrastructure for the turbines.

Work on the Rothes II project included the construction of concrete turbine and crane pad foundations, the installation of all electrical infrastructure and 12 km of on-site cable trenching. It also included construction of a substation building and operations building and all landscaping and reinstatement of site tracks.

Severe weather conditions in the remote area proved a challenge but Jones Bros engineers drew on their considerable experience of working in inclement conditions to ensure that turbines were generating on schedule.

James McColl, project engineer from Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said: “The area we were working in was very remote, with extreme weather conditions for a good deal of the time.

“The site was eight miles from the nearest road and on several occasions we had to hire snow ploughs to clear the roads to enable the workers to get to and from the site.”

Jones Bros recruited labourers from the surrounding communities to work on the scheme as well as using local contractors to provide such services as plant hire and concrete supplies.

The development also provided a boost to the local tourist economy with workers utilising local hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, pubs and restaurants.

The turbines have been operational since August and Rothes II was officially launched at a recent ceremony attended by Fred Olsen, of Fred. Olsen Renewables and Huw Jones, managing director of Jones Bros.

David Brunt, CEO at Fred. Olsen Renewables said: “We are very pleased to confirm that Rothes II Wind Farm construction has now concluded successfully and the site has entered into operation.

“Rothes I and Rothes II provide a combined installed capacity of almost 100 MW which alone represent 2.5% of Scotland’s total onshore wind capacity, helping to meet the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets.”