LUC’s Hagshaw Energy Cluster project is pioneering Scotland’s Just Transition to Net Zero by maximising renewable energy generation through repowering and upgrading existing wind farms across South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire.

Working closely with councils, communities and industry partners, the initiative seeks to maximise renewable energy output while broadening benefits for people, nature and place.

By focusing on modernising existing sites and co-locating complementary technologies rather than building on new land, the project aims to deliver 1GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 – enough to power thousands of homes and support Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.

The framework, the first of its kind in the UK, pilots a collaborative approach to renewable energy planning with community benefits. It will direct £3 million annually to local priorities such as insulating low-income homes, restoring peatlands and creating green jobs.

Once fully operational, the wind farm in the cluster will save 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ yearly and has already attracted £120 million in investment, boosting regional employment.

Recognised as a national blueprint, the project showcases how collaboration between councils, agencies, developers and communities can accelerate the shift to clean energy while ensuring fair outcomes for people, nature and place.

LUC has also been assisting in bringing the concept of the Development Framework to life, supporting in the development of an Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism Feasibility and Concept Design for communities within the vicinity of the cluster, on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council.

Winners of the Scotland Awards will be considered for the national RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, to be announced in November.