Scottish Power opens windfarm learning centre
A £2 million state-of-the-art visitor and learning centre at Whitelee Windfarm – Europes largest onshore windfarm near Glasgow has officially been opened by Jim Murphy MP, Secretary of State for Scotland. This new facility has been designed to encourage visitors to learn more about renewable energy and will soon be available to cyclists, horse riders and ramblers wishing to take advantage of the windfarm’s huge recreational possibilities.
Mr Murphy was taken on a tour of the facility before the official opening by Xabier Viteri, CEO, Iberdrola Renovables and Keith Anderson, Managing Director of ScottishPower Renewables.
Whitelee has 140 turbines and most of these are overlooked by the new learning centre which is a sustainable wooden structure which is powered by electricity generated on-site and also takes it water supply from specially created boreholes.
The centre feature a unique interactive hands-on learning area catering for all ages, a viewing gallery, a café and gift shop where specially trained educational staff will also be on-hand, as well as bicycle stores and external shower facilities.
Keith Anderson, Managing Director of ScottishPower Renewables said that the growth of renewable energy is crucial in the fight against climate change confirming that major projects like Whitelee have become essential in achieving carbon reduction targets.
He continued that this is the first visitor centre of its kind in Scotland and that they are keen to include practical educational features that will inspire younger generations. They will encourage schools and community groups to visit, where specially trained educational staff will be there to provide a hands-on learning experience.
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Media relations @ Scottish power .com