Tuesday 22 February 2011

EON targets forests for windfarm sites

EON targets forests for windfarm sites

E.ON today revealed that it has won the exclusive right to examine two plots of land owned by the Forestry Commission Scotland for wind power projects.

E.ON estimates that the areas of land, in the north and west of Scotland, have the potential to generate around 500MW, or enough renewable electricity to power over 270,000 homes.

The energy firm will now begin detailed windfarm assessments of the land before submitting proposals to the Forestry Commission, which will be a partner in any developments.

E.ON's manager of European renewable business, Michael Lewis, said: "Wind is such an important part of the future energy mix here in the UK and as schemes get larger and larger, so too does the contribution they make towards renewable energy targets, which is why they are so vital."

The head of the Forestry Commission's renewables team, Michael Ansell, said: "We are pleased to have appointed a developer with a good track record and look forward to working with E.ON - and local communities - in making a significant contribution towards meeting the Scottish government's renewable energy targets."

E.ON currently operates 18 onshore windfarms across the UK, totalling 175 MW of renewable electricity, and has over 1500MW in the planning and development phases.

The company also runs three offshore windfarms, with a total capacity of over 240MW, and is a partner in the London Array, which will be the world's largest offshore wind farm once complete.

Related stories: Huhne opens windfarm after £11m upgrade

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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