Spanish Iberdrola make first move into UK Wind Energy

Iberdrola SA is a large hydro and nuclear electric energy company, engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and marketing of electricity and natural gas. They are based in Spain and operate overseas in Spanish speaking areas, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile it also operates in the Mexican and Guatemalan markets.

They have just announced the acquisition of 2 UK wind farms (no financial figures provided) which are currently under construction (due to commence generation end 2007) with a total combined capacity of 20.55 megawatts. These are the Clachan Flats 15 MW farm with 9 turbines from AMEC Wind Energy located near Cairndow in Argyll and Bute.

They have also acquired the small Higher Darracott 3 turbine 2.55 MW farm near Torrington in Devon from which was developed by West Coast Energy Ltd., with Darracott Moor Wind Farm Ltd of Mold.

Iberdrola says that it aims to have total wind capacity in the UK of 200 MW by 2011 and have opened an office in Birmingham.

They have also recently invested Euros 22 Mn in a biomass electricity generating plant near Corruna and have a program for investment in renewable energy thoughout their markets.