EU-DIGEST

In breezy Britain, wind farm cooperatives take off

With annual returns of 10 percent coupled with low risk, wind farm cooperatives are drawing growing numbers of investors in Britain -- good news for Europe's hopes to lead the world in renewable energy. Along with being a safe investment during turbulent economic times, the cooperatives are drawing interest from those concerned not just with global warming and climate change, but also with energy security. "It's not only a climate issue, but it's also a problem with energy supplies," Clive Burke, a shareholder in the Westmill cooperative near Swindon, southwest England, told AFP. "We are exceeding the ability of our planet to support our energy needs."

Labels: Alternative Energy, Britain, EU, Windfarms

Britain - Novera Energy plans two wind farms in the UK

Novera Energy plc, a leading independent UK renewable energy company, is pleased to announce it has submitted planning applications for two wind farms in Northumberland. The Wingates Wind Farm application made to Alnwick District Council is for six turbines with an anticipated capacity of 12-15MW to be located approximately six kilometres south of Longframlington. The Todd Hill Wind Farm application made to Castle Morpeth District Council is for four turbines with an anticipated capacity of 8-10MW to be located at a site approximately six kilometres northwest of Morpeth.

Labels: Alternative Energy, Britain, Britain. EU, Windfarms

Irish company to develop wind farms in Chile

Developing wind farms in Chile is to be the latest energy venture of Airtricity founder Eddie O'Connor. Mr O'Connor sold his Airtricity businesses in the US and Europe last year for €50 million and with a portion of the money set up a new company in February called Mainstream Renewable Power. Now, the relatively new company has signed into a €785 million joint venture deal with Chilean company Anders Energy to develop wind farms in the South American country. It is hoped that the wind farms created will generate enough power for around 217,000 homes, with a 35MW wind farm planned to be ready in two years in the Valparaiso region of Chile.

Labels: Alternative Energy, Chile, EU, Ireland, Windfarms