11th Aug 2008 12:44
Press Release 11 August 2008
Renewable Energy Generation Limited
("REG" or the "Group")
Planning approval granted
for repowering of Goonhilly Downs Wind Farm in Cornwall
Renewable Energy Generation Limited (AIM: RWE), the international renewable energy group, today announces that it has received planning approval for the repowering of its Goonhilly Downs wind farm on the Lizard Peninsular in Cornwall.
The planning approval allows for an increase in the wind farm's current capacity from 5.6MW to approximately 15MW. By replacing all of the existing turbines with more modern equipment, the project will harness the proven wind resource more effectively and will provide enough energy to supply over 7,000 homes.
The repowering of the project was originally considered by the Local Planning Authority in May 2008 and gained significant majority support from the committee members, having been recommended for approval by the planning officer. However, as Goonhilly is an area of outstanding natural beauty, it was referred to the Government Office South West which has now confirmed that it does not consider any action is warranted by the Secretary of State.
Subject to the anticipated full discharge of planning conditions, turbine orders will be placed and electricity production is hoped to begin in REG's next financial year.
Commenting on developments, Andrew Whalley, Chief Executive Officer of REG, said:
"We are absolutely delighted to have received approval for the repowering of Goonhilly. The capacity increase will not only contribute significantly to Cornwall's overall renewables targets, but further endorses our credentials as a developer of even the most challenging UK wind projects.
"Goonhilly, together with our project at Loscar in South Yorkshire, which received planning permission last month, will significantly increase our UK operating wind plant to around 35 megawatts."
ENDS
Contacts:
Renewable Energy Generation Limited Tel: +44 (0)1483 400444
Andrew Whalley, Chief Executive Officer
David Crockford, Finance Director
Numis Securities Limited (Nomad for REG) Tel: +44 (0)20 7260 1000
Nominated Advisor: Anthony Richardson / Lee Aston
Corporate Broking: Charles Farquhar
Hogarth Partnership Tel: +44 (0)20 7357 9477
Julian Walker, Sarah MacLeod, Vicky Watkins
Notes to Editors:
Renewable Energy Generation Ltd (REG) is a world-leading renewable energy group. The Group's main business is the development, construction and operation of wind farms in the UK and Canada. It also generates power from refined used cooking oil in the UK.
Headquartered in Guernsey, REG was admitted to trading on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, in May 2005 (AIM:RWE).
www.renewableenergygeneration.co.uk
Related Shares:
WIND.L