The construction of the UK's largest consumer-owned wind farm has kicked off in Kirkoswald, Ayrshire, with four out of eight turbines already erected at the Kirk Hill Wind Farm site.

With more than 5,600 members from households and businesses across Scotland, England, and Wales holding partial ownership, the wind farm is expected to generate affordable, renewable energy upon its completion in early 2024. Each of the cooperative's members stands to benefit from an estimated average first-year bill saving of £269.

Managed and operated by Ripple Energy, the wind farm is projected to have a total capacity of 18.8MW, potentially supplying power to approximately 20,000 households and businesses.

Sarah Merrick, the founder and CEO of Ripple Energy, expressed the excitement shared by the cooperative's members, highlighting the community's involvement in following the journey of the turbines from their origins to their installation in Ayr.

The inception of the Kirk Hill Wind Farm marks a significant milestone for Ripple Energy, following the successful launch of the UK's first consumer-owned wind farm at Graig Fatha Wind Farm in south Wales. The wind farm has been providing its owners with cost-effective electricity since March 2022.

Subsequently, the Kirk Hill Wind Farm project garnered the second-largest equity raise for a UK cooperative society in support of a green energy initiative, amounting to £13.2 million, set for activation in early 2024.

Ripple Energy's ambitious strides also extend to the Derill Water Solar Park in Devon, the UK's first shared solar park, projected to be the brand's most substantial project to date. The park achieved a record-breaking single raise for a UK cooperative, surpassing £20 million, and is anticipated to be operational by late summer 2024.