IBERDROLA Sets Up Division to Manage Development of its Significant Offshore Wind Project Pipeline (UK)

* The Company has set up an Offshore Business Division in Scotland to manage the development of its significant offshore wind project pipeline, estimated at close to 12,000 megawatts around the world

IBERDROLA has always endeavoured to lead the way in innovation, spearheading the development of environment-friendly generation technologies. This commitment was made clear in the early days when the Company was created via the start-up of hydroelectric facilities; in recent years through the creation of wind farms, and today, through its work in Europe in the field of marine energy, which is regarded as the second revolution in renewables.

To further enhance its commitment, the Company has set up an Offshore Business Division in Scotland to manage the development of its significant offshore wind project pipeline, estimated at close to 12,000 megawatts around the world.

The Company’s main objective is to leverage this core business, which enjoys favourable regulatory frameworks. In partnership with Vattenfall of Sweden, IBERDROLA won the rights to build one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms in the UK with installed capacity of 7,200 MW. The first phase of the plant is already underway and entails the installation of 1,200 MW some 43 kilometres off the coast of Suffolk.

IBERDROLA has an additional 1,700 MW in the UK pipeline, including 500 MW at West of Duddon Sands (developed in partnership with Dong). It is also developing projects in Germany and has applied to place zones under reserve for feasibility studies for six projects off the coasts of Cadiz, Castellon and Huelva in Spain.

IBERDROLA is also working towards harnessing marine energy, the energy carried by ocean waves and tides, both in Scotland and in Spain. The Company has been authorised by the Scottish Government to develop the world’s first tidal power array in the Sound of Islay and it is already working on the Hammerfest Strom project in the Orkney Isles off northern Scotland.

Thanks to the findings from these projects, IBERDROLA secured permission from the Scottish government to explore the commercial development of a number of sites in the Pentland Firth and has been awarded two areas: Marwick Head, where it will develop a wave energy plant, and Ness of Duncansby, where it will work on a marine current plant.

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Source: iberdrola ,May 09, 2011; Image: