North Kyle Wind Farm in East Ayrshire, Scotland, transforms former surface coal mines into a 49-turbine, 220 MW renewable energy site. Brockwell Energy and Jones Bros are delivering roads, foundations and cabling, with generation planned for autumn 2024.
Naue Secugrid® geogrid stabilises and reinforces roads, embankments, working platforms, slopes and walls.
Naue Combigrid® is a geogrid with integrated nonwoven geotextile that combines stabilisation, reinforcement, separation and filtration in a single installation step.
The North Kyle wind farm in East Ayrshire, Scotland, is being developed on the derelict site of former surface coal mines. Set to commence power generation in autumn 2024, the 49-turbine project will produce up to 220 megawatts – enough to supply over 160,000 homes. Developed by Brockwell Energy Limited, the project also promises economic revitalisation in a region hard-hit by the coal industry’s decline.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK was appointed as principal contractor – its 20th wind farm project in Scotland. Work includes excavation and backfilling for cabling, crane hardstanding, reinforced concrete turbine foundations, and road infrastructure improvements: upgrading 20km of existing roads and creating 24km of new access tracks to support heavy construction traffic.
For access tracks and crane hardstandings, Jones Bros opted for Naue’s geogrid products, as used in previous projects like Benbrack wind farm. Naue’s Secugrid® and Combigrid® geosynthetics reinforce weak subsoils, ensuring durable access routes. Some turbine roads must cross deep, low-bearing peat soils (CBR 0.5%-2.5%). Naue’s engineering team provided preliminary designs for base reinforcement, using Combigrid® 40/40 Q1 GRK 4 C as a foundation layer, combined with Secugrid® 30/30 Q1 where additional strength was needed.
Secugrid® and Combigrid® are supplied in 4.75m-wide, 100m-long rolls. For North Kyle, Naue delivered around 12km of each product. Jones Bros’ project manager Kieran Pugh praised Naue’s range of geosynthetics, noting their cost-effectiveness and reliability. These products reduce the need for aggregate, leading to financial savings and fewer site deliveries.
Secugrid® is manufactured from high-strength, low-creep polyester or polypropylene bars with welded junctions - ideal for long-term applications. Combigrid® combines a geogrid with an integrated filter geotextile, enhancing bearing capacity and material separation. Both products are manufactured under strict quality control, ensuring consistent performance and easy installation.
By integrating advanced geotechnics, North Kyle Wind Farm exemplifies energy innovation, transforming former coal mining sites into a power source for future generations.
Combigrid® prevented material mixing, while Secugrid® distributed loads and improved the durability of access tracks and hardstandings.
The reinforced base course reduced material demand, transport movements and overall construction costs.
Secugrid® and Combigrid® increased bearing capacity for heavy construction traffic and crane operations.
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