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27 April 2004 - In support of the United Kingdom's renewable energy target to produce 15 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2015, construction activities recently commenced on the Cefn Croes Wind Project in Wales.
Recently acquired by Falck Renewables Limited, the wind energy subsidiary of the Falck Group of Italy, the project was co-developed by the Renewable Development Company (RDC) of Mold, Wales and GE Energy. Full turnkey construction, wind turbine supply, operation and maintenance services are being provided by GE Energy.
"We are very pleased to be taking this world-class project forward," said Achille Colombo, managing director of the Falck Group. "The project will make an important contribution toward the target for growth of renewable energy as well as providing strong economic support to the local area."
Located near Devil's Bridge, approximately 15 kilometres east of Aberystwyth, the project will utilize 39 GE 1.5 MW wind turbines, among the world's most proven and widely utilized wind turbines of their class with over 2200 installed worldwide.
"We are delighted to be working with Falck and RDC to bring new renewable capacity to Wales," said Steve Zwolinski, CEO of GE Energy's wind segment. "GE has enjoyed a long-time presence in Wales where we currently employ 1000 people. We are pleased that this showcase project will represent GE's first wind turbine installation in Wales."
Once completed in October 2004, the Cefn Croes Wind Project will add 58.5 MW of new renewable capacity, a significant contribution toward meeting the UK's renewable energy targets. With an electricity mix currently supplied primarily by imported oil products, gas and coal, wind energy generation will allow Wales to utilize its clean, abundant natural resource while reducing imports and increasing energy security.
The project's power will be sold to the Non-Fossil Fuel Purchasing Agency and distributed to the national grid through SP ManWeb. The wind plant's estimated annual generation will add enough new capacity to serve approximately 40 000 households.
From its earliest planning stages, the project has been designed to provide significant local benefits. It represents one of the largest single investments ever made in the Ceredigion area of mid-Wales.
Project developers estimate £9m of local Welsh contracts will be made available through project construction, with about £5m to be sourced in mid-Wales. The project will provide on-site employment opportunities for more than 100 people over the construction period, and four ongoing service jobs once the project is complete.
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