A wind farm services company faces a hefty fine after a worker suffered severe burns from an electrical flashover at a Scottish site. Natural Power Services Limited was ordered to pay £80,000 following the 2020 incident at Tom Nan Clach Wind Farm near Inverness, which left the man with life-changing injuries.
Details of the Shocking Incident
The accident happened on June 23, 2020, when the 38-year-old maintenance manager was sent to work in an electrical substation. He was carrying out routine tasks when an unexpected electrical surge caused a flashover.
This led to him being engulfed in flames and falling from a height. Emergency teams airlifted him to a hospital, where doctors treated him for serious burns and other injuries. He has gone through multiple surgeries since then, and his recovery remains ongoing.
Reports show the worker fell into a critical condition but stabilized over time. The event raised alarms about safety practices in the renewable energy sector.
What Went Wrong According to Investigators
Health and safety officials looked into the case and found key failures. The company had a switching program in place to safely manage electrical systems during maintenance.
Workers strayed from this plan, allowing one cabinet to stay live while work happened on another. This mistake let electricity flow through parts that should have been off, sparking the flashover.
Investigators noted that sticking to the original program would have prevented the harm. The firm lacked strong checks to review or approve changes to these plans.
Natural Power Services Limited admitted guilt under health and safety laws. The court in Inverness handed down the fine on November 25, 2025, after a thorough probe.
Here are some key findings from the investigation:
- Deviation from the prepared switching schedule.
- No system to monitor or approve program changes.
- Live electrical systems during maintenance work.
- Failure to ensure all safety steps were followed.
Company Background and Wind Farm Operations
Natural Power Services Limited provides management and maintenance for renewable energy sites across the UK. They handle tasks like equipment checks and safety protocols at wind farms.
Tom Nan Clach Wind Farm sits in the Highlands near Aviemore. It generates about 39 megawatts of power from its turbines, contributing to Scotland’s green energy goals.
The site, owned by other firms, has seen expansions in recent years. In 2024, plans for more turbines got the green light, aiming to boost output.
This incident is not isolated in the industry. Wind farms face risks from high-voltage gear, weather, and remote locations. Similar accidents have happened elsewhere, prompting calls for better training.
| Year | Wind Farm Incidents in UK | Common Causes | Reported Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | Electrical faults | 8 serious |
| 2021 | 12 | Equipment failure | 5 minor |
| 2022 | 18 | Safety protocol lapses | 10 serious |
| 2023 | 14 | Weather-related issues | 7 minor |
| 2024 | 16 | Maintenance errors | 9 serious |
| 2025 | 10 (so far) | Electrical flashovers | 4 serious |
Broader Impact on Renewable Energy Safety
This case highlights growing concerns in the wind energy field. As the UK pushes for net zero targets, more farms are built, but safety must keep pace.
Experts say better oversight and training can cut risks. Free guides on electrical safety are out there for companies to use.
The fine serves as a warning. Other firms now review their own practices to avoid similar troubles.
In recent years, the sector has seen a rise in constraint payments, where operators get paid to shut down turbines on windy days. This adds to debates about costs and safety in green power.
Lessons Learned and Future Steps
The injured worker’s story shows the human cost of workplace slips. His life changed forever, affecting his family and career.
Natural Power Services Limited has likely tightened its rules since the event. The industry as a whole looks to improve standards.
Officials urge all energy firms to prioritize safety checks. Regular audits and clear processes can prevent such tragedies.
What do you think about safety in renewable energy? Share your views in the comments and pass this article along to raise awareness.
