The UK utility ScottishPower has announced plans to build a 240 MW wind farm near Glasgow. The project, which is expected to cost $70 million, will involve installation of 140 wind turbines. The wind farm will be constructed at Whitelee on Eaglesham Moor. It is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 500 000 tonne and will meet roughly one third of the government’s renewable energy target for Scotland.
A full environmental assessment of the project is due to be completed by the autumn and approval sought from local authorities. If granted, the project could begin operating by 2003.
•In an unrelated move the UK automotive engineering group Mayflower has announced that it intends to move into the renewable energy sector. The company has won contracts worth around $300 million to install wind turbines.
The company plans to build and maintain offshore wind farms and has started a project that involves spending $30 million creating a specialised vessel for the construction of offshore wind projects.
