Renewco Power publishes supply chain and economic impact report for M74 Corridor Cluster

Renewco Power has published a new Supply Chain and Economic Impact report setting out how its M74 Corridor Cluster could help maximise long-term socio-economic benefits for communities and businesses across South Lanarkshire. 

The report, prepared by BiGGAR Economics, examines the potential economic, employment and supply chain impacts of Renewco Power’s coordinated portfolio of renewable energy projects along the M74 corridor. The Cluster comprises M74 West, Ravengill, Watchman and Clyde South, bringing together wind generation, solar generation, battery storage and associated infrastructure in a strategically important area for Scotland’s energy transition. 

The report highlights that the M74 Corridor Cluster could support significant investment in South Lanarkshire over the next decade, while creating opportunities for local suppliers, contractors, skills providers and communities. It estimates that the projects could contribute around £586 million to the South Lanarkshire economy and £1.2 billion to the Scottish economy over the 40-year operational lifetime of the projects. 

The analysis also identifies approximately £80 million of development and construction expenditure with businesses in South Lanarkshire over the next decade, with the greatest local opportunities expected to be linked to balance of plant contracts, including civil engineering, plant hire, fencing, forestry, drainage, electrical works, accommodation and other skilled trades. 

Renewco Power’s approach is focused on ensuring that local communities and businesses are positioned to benefit from the scale of activity expected across the Cluster. The report outlines commitments to supply chain development, including engagement with local business organisations, progressive procurement practices, Meet the Buyer-style activity and the use of the BizGive platform to help map local supplier capability and improve visibility of opportunities. 

It also sets out Renewco Power’s commitment to skills development, including early engagement with schools such as Biggar High School, collaboration with colleges and the Energy Skills Partnership, and support for pathways into Scotland’s future renewable energy workforce. 

Richard Koiak, Chief Development Officer at Renewco Power, said: “The M74 Corridor Cluster reflects a coordinated approach to delivering renewable energy infrastructure in an area with strong grid and transport connectivity. This report demonstrates not only the scale of investment associated with the Cluster, but also the practical steps we are taking to support local supply chains, skills development and long-term community benefit.” 

The full M74 Corridor Cluster Supply Chain and Economic Impact report, along with a short one-page summary report, can be accessed below.