Wind-farm plans set for 40m boost from Europe

Published Date: 30 January 2009

CONTROVERSIAL proposals for a giant offshore wind farm received a major boost yesterday following the revelation that the European Commission is considering investing 40 million in the project.
The Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) and the Swedish utility company Vattenfall have formed a joint venture company to build a £100 million offshore wind farm, stretching three miles along the coast from the Bridge of Don to Blackdog. There will be 23 wind turbines at sea, each up to 490ft high.The Aberdeen offshore wind farm was yesterday listed as a "European test centre", with a recommendation that the project should received 40 million in funding, as part of a proposed 5 billion energy spending package being championed by José Manuel Barroso, the commission president.Jeremy Creswell, the chairman of AREG, said: "This is great news for Aberdeen and Scotland. Being considered for European funding on this scale for an energy project is a fabulous opportunity for this region. "Coupled with the potential for this project to become a European test centre, benefiting local businesses and attracting new players into the region, this funding announcement puts Aberdeen in pole position as a UK renewable energy hub."