Wales gets green energy boost

Green energy in Wales is getting a boost as £100 million is being invested into new renewable energy technology projects. The move will help to support around 350 jobs in the country and reduce emissions related to energy generation.

The green energy contracts have been awarded to Vattenfall, a wind energy developer, which will see projects delivered over the next two years. One of the schemes that will now go ahead is the Pen y Cymoedd project in Neath Port Talbot. A total of 76 wind turbines are to be constructed on the site.

It is expected that the construction of the turbines will begin at the start of next year and that they will be generating power by 2016. Once the project is running, it will have the capacity to power around 140,000 homes with clean energy. 

Balfour Beatty and Jones Bros Civil Engineering have signed a 50:50 contract for the construction of the vast wind farm. The firms are set to deliver the electrical works and install the turbines. The grid infrastructure for the site will be provided by engineering firm ABB. Altogether the companies will provide around 350 jobs for at least two years.

Director of onshore wind for Vattenfall, Piers Guy, said: "These large contracts show that the Welsh workforce has the skills and capabilities to work on large onshore wind energy projects in Wales and beyond.

"We have made clear from day one that we will maximise the opportunities for Welsh companies through Pen y Cymoedd."

Another 18 wind turbines are set to be constructed at another Vattenfall wind farm site in Scotland. The contract for the construction has been awarded to Mabey Bridge Energy and Marine and will help to further boost the UK’s commitment to renewable energy.

Mark Coia, Mabey Bridge managing director, said: "Our significant investment in wind energy technology demonstrates we are committed to the renewables industry and the development of Welsh jobs within the sector for the long term, and this new contract further helps to maintain and develop skilled positions for the 260-strong workforce at our manufacturing facilities in Chepstow."