Member News: 63 MW Scottish wind farm to use low-emission steel in UK onshore first

January 29, 2026
Member News: 63 MW Scottish wind farm to use low-emission steel in UK onshore first
  • Vattenfall orders 14 x 4.5MW turbines from Vestas for Clashindarroch II Onshore Wind Farm
  • All the turbine towers will be manufactured using low-emission steel4
  • Vattenfall has committed to reduce supplier carbon footprints by 50 per cent by 20301

 

Vattenfall has signed an order with Vestas for turbines for the 63MW Clashindarroch II Wind Farm project near Huntly, Scotland. The order includes the supply, installation, and commissioning of 14 Vestas V136 4.5 MW wind turbines, along with a 30-year service agreement.

In line with Vattenfall’s commitment to reduce 50% emissions from supply chain goods & services by 2030, this project will be the first onshore wind farm for both Vattenfall and Vestas where parts of the towers for Clashindarroch II will be made with low-emission steel, leading to a 36 percent reduction in the towers’ overall carbon footprint. The low-emission steel is fabricated using 100 percent steel scrap melted in an electric arc furnace powered by 100 percent wind energy, at the ArcelorMittal steel mill at Industeel Charleroi, in Belgium.4  Steel production accounts for around 8% of global emissions5, and as the primary material in a wind turbine, it contributes nearly half of the emissions associated with manufacturing.

Stuart Matthews, Vattenfall’s Senior Project Manager for Clashindarroch II Wind Farm said: 

“We’re delighted to have secured a turbine contract with Vestas, whose use of steel with a verified lower carbon intensity represents an important step in reducing embodied carbon in wind turbine components. By integrating this material into our supply chain, we’re lowering the embodied carbon of the turbine towers and contributing to reduced lifecycle emissions for the project.

“As we move into the construction phase, and later into operations, we remain focused on creating local value across the project lifecycle. We look forward to working closely with Vestas to ensure this same ambition flows through our supply chain, in full alignment with the principles and commitments of the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal.”

Anna Schlasberg Wachtmeister, Vestas Vice President, Sales North said:

“Vestas is proud to partner with Vattenfall on our first onshore wind project using low-emission steel towers. By continuously reducing environmental and social impacts, while maximising the value of wind energy, we aim to raise the bar for the entire wind industry. Partnerships like this are essential to accelerating the energy transition and reduce environmental impacts across the value chain, while supporting energy security and long‑term cost efficiency wind energy.”

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

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