Banchory students energised by visit to Meikle Carewe Wind Farm

September 2024

RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, welcomed students from Banchory Academy to its Meikle Carewe Wind Farm last week to support their syllabus.

The 10.2 MW site, which is owned by The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) and managed by RES, became operational in 2013.

In total, 15 students, undertaking their National 5 Energy course, took part in the site visit with RES, which involved a tour around the 12-turbine scheme, a talk about the site’s history, the development and construction process, how the site is operated, as well as a wider discussion about renewable energy and climate change.

Teacher of Physics & Science, Rachel Mather, added: “It was a really well thought out experience, having a range of knowledgeable and engaging staff was a real bonus. All four RES staff were really good at communicating with our young people. The visit will be a real highlight of the course for the students.”

Gavin Shirley, Senior Development Manager for RES’ Hill of Fare Wind Farm near Banchory, commented: “It was a real pleasure to be able to welcome the Academy to our Meikle Carewe site. The students were a delight to engage with, demonstrated a real interest and enthusiasm for learning, and asked some great questions which kept us on our toes.

“In addition to showing them around the site and explaining the process of developing an onshore wind farm we also talked about our own roles and the many varied job opportunities that the industry can offer, so hopefully we’ve enthused some of them to consider a career in renewables.”

In 2021 Scottish Renewables reported that the renewables industry supply chain in Scotland supported more than 42,000 jobs and generated over £10.1 billion in output. The industry is expected to continue to grow significantly over the next few years, with a recent ClimateXChange workforce and skills report predicting that four times the current workforce would be required by 2027 in order to meet the Scottish Government’s target of 20 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030.

Onshore wind is quick to build and, alongside other renewable energy technologies, can generate the cheapest form of new electricity generation. It also increases energy security by reducing our reliance on imports.

Operational sites like Meikle Carewe, together with proposed new onshore sites like RES’ 16-turbine 105.6 MW Hill of Fare Wind Farm near Banchory, can make an important contribution to decarbonising our future and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable zero carbon energy.