SCOTTISH AND SOUTHERN ENERGY PLC
FIRST ELECTRICITY GENERATION AT CLYDE WIND FARM
The first turbine at the Clyde onshore wind farm being constructed in South Lanarkshire by SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy plc) has now been energised and exported electricity to the national grid for the first time.
Reaching this milestone means that: the first of the wind farm's three sections (South, 130MW) should be completed around the time of SSE's six-month financial results announcement in November 2011; and the wind farm as a whole should be completed in 2012.
First generation of electricity at Clyde follows the agreement reached between SSE and NATS (En Route) plc on arrangements to maintain a safe and efficient air traffic control service over the site while the construction of the permanent new primary radar facility is completed.
On completion, the Clyde wind farm will comprise 152 turbines and will have a total installed capacity of 350MW. It is expected to produce over 1,000GWh of electricity in a typical year, and its construction cost is expected to be over £500m.
Colin Hood, Chief Operating Officer of SSE, said:
"Clyde is an important project for SSE and for the achievement of wider renewable energy targets and first generation of electricity from the wind farm is a key milestone. We are grateful to the Civil Aviation Authority and NATS for their work in helping to facilitate this important renewable energy development.
"First generation at Clyde follows the first generation of electricity at our 156MW Griffin wind farm last month. Reaching these milestones illustrates again the increasing momentum in delivery of SSE's large capital projects. It is momentum we're committed to maintaining."