Gael Energy Showcases Expertise with Largest and Most Intricate Project to Date at Lochluichart Wind Farm

Gael Energy has recently demonstrated its expertise in complex wind turbine projects by replacing a damaged yaw ring on a Bonus 1.3 turbine at Lambrigg Wind Farm in England and undertaking its largest and most intricate project to date: dismantling a defective SGRE 3MW turbine at Lochluichart Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands.

Lambrigg Wind Farm

Gael Energy recently completed a highly challenging job for Nadara at Lambrigg, a 5-turbine wind farm with a capacity of 6.5MW, located just off the M6 near Kendal in England.

Acting as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, Gael Energy undertook the replacement of a damaged and worn yaw ring on a Bonus 1.3 turbine. The team sourced the replacement yaw ring, designed and fabricated custom lifting equipment, and created a frame to safely carry out the exchange.

James MacRae, our onshore Operations Manager, commented, “With over 400 wind turbines in our operations and maintenance portfolio, our commitment to providing exceptional service continues to drive our growth and this project highlights Gael Energy’s expertise in major component exchanges.”

Thanks to the team at Global Crane Services for their lifting capabilities.

Lochluichart Wind Farm

Last year, Eneco UK (part of the Netherlands-based Eneco Group) approached Gael Energy for assistance in dismantling a defective SGRE 3MW turbine at Lochluichart Wind Farm in the Highlands. We were privileged to be tasked as the Principal Contractor and Principal Designer to carry out the works under CDM regulations.

Due to the extent of the major component defects, conventional disassembly methods could not be followed. In response, we supplied an in-house SMSTS-qualified Site Manager and internally developed the Method Statements, Risk Assessments, and Lift Plans. We also brought in external crane hire, health and safety representation, and turbine-specific Authorised Technicians. As part of this highly complex job, we designed and fabricated a nacelle laydown frame, hub lifting brackets, and a bottom tower cover to facilitate the disassembly and replacement of the defective components.

Hamish Campbell, Gael Energy’s Managing Director, commented: "Gael Energy continues to expand its capabilities, particularly into the world of major components replacement and complex engineering projects. When we founded Gael Energy in 2015, the idea of taking on projects like this was only a pipe dream.”

He continued: "We owe a massive debt of gratitude to Eneco for having the confidence in us to take this project on and showcase our capabilities. This represents our biggest and most intricate contract to date – a significant achievement, that demonstrates our ability to handle projects of all sizes and complexities.”

Thanks to Global Crane Services, Business in Wind, and Rosskeen Engineering for their invaluable contributions in making this project a success.