A new windpower company, headed by former executives of some of the world’s biggest energy groups, has been set up in London. Called Windforce, it intends to take advantage of a growing global market for wind power, and is currently pursuing developments worth $800 million in Greece, Latvia and Sweden. It has already secured $6 million in funding from Gerrard Energy Ventures. The choice of location also allows the new company to take advantage of British government plans to step up investment in onshore and offshore wind projects. The company estimates the global wind capacity at 18500 MW, only 0.25 per cent of total energy production, but is forecast to rise to 52 GW by 2005 as countries around the world, but especially in Europe, raise wind power ratios in order to meet their Kyoto commitments.
l Ministry of Defence objections to the siting of wind farms near certain air bases has threatened the future of £4 billion in wind farm projects in the UK. The MOD has concerns about the possibly hazardous impact on radar and on low flying aircraft. Specifically, the MOD has caused the Dept of Trade to block construction of a wind farm of more than 100 turbines in Northumberland. The developers, EcoGen Developments, are seeking a judicial review.
