Eilidh Mactaggart

The Iona wind partnership, managed by Asper Investment Management, is focused on building 800MW of onshore wind capacity by 2026.

Once fully operational, the project will be capable of generating clean, renewable energy and support the decarbonisation of Scotland’s energy sector, estimated to save 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Onshore wind is a key element to the renewables mix in Scotland and the Bank’s £13m investment aligns with its mission to support Scotland’s transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Eilidh Mactaggart, CEO of the Scottish National Investment Bank, said: “The Iona wind partnership has the potential to deliver renewable energy for up to 850,000 homes and significantly reduce emissions and supports the Bank’s net zero mission.

“The development of onshore wind in the UK has stalled since the removal of subsidies in 2015. The Bank’s investment has allowed Asper IM to reach the required scale to make the fund a reality.

“We are pleased to be working with Asper Investment Management who are committed to investing in businesses that develop, build and operate sustainable infrastructure and assets and have a track record in developing onshore wind projects.”

Luis Quiroga, head of investor relations at Asper, added: “We are delighted to have the Scottish National Investment Bank’s support for Iona. Asper’s expertise is to “build the new” infrastructure for the energy transition. And Iona’s investments will make a crucial contribution to Scotland’s future - helping to decarbonise its energy supply and boosting the Scottish economy.”

Asper estimates 12,800 kilotons of carbon dioxide will be saved by Iona’s assets in their lifetime, sufficient to power 850,000 homes with green energy. Asper’s sustainability goals for its investments also include building sustainable, durable and efficient assets, to respect and foster the natural habitats around projects, to use only truly sustainable sources of fuel and to sustain local communities around projects.