The wind farm developer PNE WIND AG, one of Europe’s leading wind farm companies with more than 5,700MW of onshore and offshore wind farm capacity in development, has been appointed as a preferred development partner to the Forestry Commission Scotland for the potential development of wind power schemes in Central Scotland.
PNE WIND has until October 2011 to investigate suitable wind farm sites on the National Forest Estate in Argyll and Bute, West Dunbartonshire, Stirling, Perth and Kinross and Angus. At the end of this period the Commission and the company will agree the number of schemes to take forward through the planning process and if successful the construction and operational phases.
The Estate managed by the Forestry Commission in Central Scotland comprises of an area of approx. 1000 square kilometres and has an estimated potential of 100 to 200 MW of developable wind farm sites. The annual average wind speed in the area ranges from 6,5 m/s to 8,5 m/s (UK wind speed database NOABL at 45m).
Martin Billhardt PNE WIND AG Chief Executive Officer commented: “ PNE WIND AG is delighted to have been appointed as the preferred partner for the potential development of wind power schemes in Central Scotland. This is a landmark opportunity for us and coincides with the establishment of our Scottish based team and the opening of our new Edinburgh office. Our Scottish Team will be working closely with the Forestry Commission and local communities to develop the most appropriate wind farm sites thereby contributing to Scotland’s target of generating 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. Our partnership with the Forestry Commission brings together the custodians of Scotland’s forests and woodlands and PNE WIND’s expertise in renewables to help contribute to the Scottish Government’s policy on energy and the environment and climate change .”
( pnewind )
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Source: pnewind, February 23, 2011