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Thrive Renewables has announced the acquisition of rights to develop the 57 MW Whitelaw Brae wind farm, marking its largest project and a significant step toward doubling generation capacity within five years. Located in the Scottish Borders, this project underscores Thrive's commitment to scaling clean energy production in the UK.
Key Highlights of the Whitelaw Brae Wind Farm:
Project Scale: The wind farm will feature 14 turbines, generating up to 149,400 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power 46,100 average UK homes while reducing emissions by 65,300 tonnes per year.
Timeline: Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with commissioning planned for the end of 2026.
This project is the second to be funded under Thrive’s Joint Venture with Fair Play Clean Energy Ltd and TopCashback Sustainability, which brings together £80 million to support clean energy development across the UK. Thrive acquired Whitelaw Brae from BayWa r.e. in December 2024 following a competitive tender process.
Thrive has a strong track record in promoting community and shared ownership. For Whitelaw Brae, Thrive plans to collaborate with Ripple Energy to facilitate cooperative ownership, giving communities a stake in the project.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world for onshore wind, so we’re really pleased to have acquired this project and are working hard to move it through to the construction stage. Whitelaw Brae will be our largest project to date and comes as Thrive celebrates 30 years of funding and building clean energy projects here in the UK. We look forward to getting the wind farm operational so that it can start delivering cheaper, cleaner power for homes and businesses, with the ambition to offer the wider community an opportunity to own a stake in the project, too.” Stated Monika Paplaczyk, Investment Director, Thrive Renewables.
“We are pleased to announce the successful sale of our Whitelaw Brae Wind Farm to Thrive Renewables. This transaction represents the continued development of quality renewable energy assets in Scotland, a key market in supporting the UK government’s net zero ambitions. We look forward to seeing the project progress and help accelerate the energy transition.” Added John Milligan, Managing Director, BayWa r.e. UK.
Situated 15 km north of Moffat and 3 km south of Tweedsmuir, the site is adjacent to the River Tweed, which is undergoing a £25 million Destination Tweed initiative. This initiative aims to enhance the landscape, river habitat, and visitor experience, including creating a 113-mile River Tweed Trail linking communities and attractions from Moffat to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Whitelaw Brae exemplifies Thrive Renewables’ dedication to environmental sustainability and community engagement. Thrive continues to set a benchmark for impactful and inclusive energy development by advancing renewable energy while supporting local economies.
With construction on the horizon, Whitelaw Brae is a testament to the growing momentum behind the UK’s transition to clean energy.
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