Savills Energy and Savills Research have combined to produce innovative analysis charting the growth and performance of the onshore wind sector in Aberdeenshire.

The study will be used to inform best practice for future projects across the UK.

Spotlight: Onshore wind in Aberdeenshire – Growth and Performance focuses on the market in Scotland, particularly Aberdeenshire, where there has been a decade of exceptional growth in the number of wind generating projects.

The onshore wind sector in Aberdeenshire is unique in that it is dominated by privately owned wind projects, as well as enjoying consistently good performance and the highest proportion of wind stations in Scotland.

Giles Hanglin, head of Savills Rural Research, said: “The research includes a number of important findings, which will be key to maximising success elsewhere: Onshore wind is Scotland’s largest renewable power source increasing more than tenfold over the past 10 years; the growth of onshore wind in Aberdeenshire has been exceptional with 20 per cent of Scotland’s total located in the area.

“Growth has largely been delivered by entrepreneurial farmers and rural businesses, with 60 per cent of local projects since 2005 being privately owned. Indeed, over the same period our research illustrates that performance of Scotland’s fleet of onshore wind turbines has improved due to technological advancements and better site design.”

Nick Green, Savills UK head of renewable energy based in Scotland, added: “Scotland’s geographic location and topography, along with government incentives and improvements in technology, affords it an ideal position to become a global leader in the generation of electricity from renewable sources.

“Onshore wind is Scotland’s largest renewable power source, but the growth of the sector is only part of the story and projects must be proactively managed to ensure they continue to generate both electricity and income for those that operate them. This is particularly true in the face of the changes that the sector has gone through over the past 18 months which has increased the financial pressure on projects. Taking such an approach can mitigate against any future unforeseen events that could impact on cash flows.”