Specialist rail and energy recruiter, Samuel Knight International, has welcomed Murihall Energy and WWS Renewables’ announcement that construction on one of the UK’s first subsidy-free onshore wind projects has started in Scotland, but warns that addressing talent shortages must still remain a priority for the energy sector.
Crossdykes Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway is expected to start generating power in September 2020. With a capacity of 46 megawatts (MW), the project will produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of more than 45,000 homes.
Commenting on the announcement, Darren Williams, Renewables Divisional Manager, said:
“A subsidy-free onshore wind farm is fantastic news for the UK’s renewable energy sector, and will help put us on track to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. However, we must acknowledge that while there are many exciting and innovative plans to make the country more eco-friendly, there is a severe shortage of skilled workers to see projects through to completion. We have to invest in talent, promote opportunities and ensure that there are enough people entering the industry, particularly as a large proportion of the workforce will be retiring over the next few years.”