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Vestas turbines procured for new Cornwall wind project

Cornwall Light & Power Chief Executive Neil Harris - "So far this year we have built three projects in the UK totalling 10.4 Megawatts."

Vestas, the world's leading wind turbine manufacturer, is to supply Cornwall Light & Power (CLP) with two V52 turbines for an approved 1.7 Megawatt wind development at Roskrow Barton, near Penryn in Cornwall.

The turbines are due to be delivered in December and the project should become operational early next year.

CLP is the UK operational arm of AIM-listed Renewable Energy Generation (REG). The Roskrow Barton project is one of more than 30 wind power projects being progressed by CLP in the UK.

Chief Executive Officer Neil Harris said: "The drive to expand wind power worldwide means that manufacturers are under unprecedented pressure to supply turbines.

"We are active in Canada where REG will be constructing seven projects over the next 18 months totalling 69.3 Megawatts.

Wind turbine manufacturers are under pressure to supply a growing market. In the last year Cornwall Light & Power and its sister company in Canada have procured turbines for 11 projects, mostly for delivery within a year.

"So far this year we have built three projects in the UK totalling 10.4 Megawatts. The Roskrow Barton procurement is the 11th project in the UK and Canada for which REG has procured turbines in the last year, and in most cases deliveries are within 12 months from order.

"In today's very active wind market, that's quick. As a result of the investment which REG has attracted, we do not have to use project finance in construction and have become a respected purchaser.

"We are delighted to continue our excellent relationship with Vestas. Roskrow Barton is an outstanding wind site and will generate emissions-free electricity for the equivalent of more than 1000 houses."

Late last year CLP made its first move into the emerging small-scale biomass sector with a project in the south-west. Low cost, carbon neutral power is produced with high efficiency by the controlled combustion of biomass such as wood, woodchips, straw and other waste material.

"Our first project is under development and progressing well, and further opportunities are under consideration," Neil added.

"We believe that considerable value will be created over the coming years by the UK Government's recent decision to increase support for biomass through double ROCs (Renewable Obligation Certificates)."

"This improves the economics considerably, and we are very pleased to add biomass to our business."