As part of the partnership, Statkraft will work with ACE, where the latter will help to identify, explore and bring forward opportunities to secure development rights for wind projects in Scotland.
Statkraft stated that it is following a strategy to grow its onshore wind portfolio, focusing in Scotland and Wales through acquiring mature projects and partnering on the development of new projects and portfolios.
Statkraft UK managing director David Flood said: “We are delighted to have entered into a development partnership with Airvolution Clean Energy. Their team has a strong track record, and will be able to identify and develop excellent project opportunities on behalf of Statkraft.”
“Our focus on Scotland demonstrates our belief in the fundamental attractiveness of the onshore wind industry in Scotland, and its ability to deliver low-cost, low carbon generation while contributing substantially to the Scottish economy.
“As we have demonstrated on projects such as our recently completed Andershaw wind farm, next generation turbine technology can facilitate further cost reductions, and increased tip heights will play a critical role in this.”
Earlier this year, the company commissioned the 36.3MW Andershaw wind farm in Glasgow, Scotland. This wind farm generates enough energy to be supplied to 23,400 Scottish homes. As per Statkraft, its fundamental requirement of UK is to significantly increase the deployment onshore wind in the coming decade.
David Flood continued: “We believe the future of onshore wind in the United Kingdom to be very positive, and fully expect the UK government to grasp the opportunity for further onshore wind development through future CfD auctions.
“This can deliver known volumes of the most cost-effective generation technology available in suitable locations, while giving investors certainty and facilitating low cost of capital.“
Recently, the company had sold its 50% stake in the 860MW Triton Knoll offshore wind farm to innogy, the other owner of the wind farm. Statkraft stated that it plans to divest from offshore wind and will invest in hydropower, onshore wind, solar and district heating and other renewable energy technologies.
Image: Statkraft partners with Airvolution Energy to develop 300MW projects in UK. Photo: Courtesy of Statkraft.
