Iberdrola Highlights Circular Economy Benefits as Scottish Wind Farm Is Repowered

Iberdrola is strengthening its focus on the circular economy through the refurbishment and repowering of wind farms in the United Kingdom, following the decommissioning of Hagshaw Hill 1, Scotland’s first commercial wind farm.

ScottishPower Renewables, the renewable energy subsidiary of Iberdrola Group in the UK, highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of applying circular economy principles during the end-of-life stage of renewable energy assets.

A report prepared by Mott MacDonald found that 99.9% of the materials removed from Hagshaw Hill 1 were recycled or reused, demonstrating the potential to minimise waste during the decommissioning of renewable energy infrastructure.

Repowering Boosts Clean Energy Generation

Hagshaw Hill 1 began operations in 1995 and has now been replaced by 14 modern and more efficient wind turbines. The repowered site has increased its generation capacity to 80 MW, enough to supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 57,000 homes.

According to Iberdrola, the modernisation of existing wind farms can simultaneously increase renewable electricity generation while creating opportunities for local supply chains and supporting more efficient use of resources.

The Hagshaw Hill project generated contracts for companies across Scotland and other parts of the UK, contributing to employment, industrial capabilities and local economic activity.

Wind Turbine Blade Recycling Supports Circular Economy

The initiative also highlights emerging opportunities for the reuse and recycling of wind turbine components, particularly turbine blades.

Iberdrola said recycled blades can be transformed into materials for construction and engineering applications, helping reduce waste as well as the emissions associated with producing new infrastructure.

The company views the experience at Hagshaw Hill 1 as an example of how renewable energy assets can be managed at the end of their operating lives while creating additional environmental and economic value.

Repowering Creates Next Generation of Wind Farms

Iberdrola said the repowering of Hagshaw Hill 1 demonstrates how renewable energy generation, circular economy practices and local economic development can be combined in the modernisation of ageing wind farms.

The company believes such projects can help establish a model for the next generation of UK wind farms by maximising the use of existing sites and infrastructure while increasing clean power generation and improving resource efficiency.