UK’s leading onshore wind developer takes first step out of Britain
Independent wind developer West Coast Energy has opened its first overseas subsidiary in Poznan, Poland following extensive research into the current provision for onshore wind development across Europe. The company predicts a ’significant project portfolio’ across a predicted three to five year period.
The incorporation of West Coast Energy Polska Sp z.o.o., comes close on the heels of the publication new European Commission guidelines designed to curb the construction of ill-conceived wind farms which pose a threat to biodiversity.
West Coast Energy’s co-Founder and Director, Gerry Jewson said: "The race is on to develop more wind farms and, while these new guidelines do not change the law, they do highlight the need to work with proven developers who can draw on a mix of planning, environmental and technical expertise.
"Wind energy has an important role to play in meeting the EU target for renewable energy to account for 20 per cent of consumption by 2020, and onshore wind has a big part to play."
To facilitate the expansion into Poland West Coast Energy has appointed an experienced Country Manager, Duarte Costa, who brings a wealth of local knowledge and expertise in project management, and is now building his local project team.
Backed by extensive knowledge and a comprehensive capability in site search, site design, met and grid analysis, supplemented with planning, land and environmental expertise, West Coast Energy has been responsible for consenting over 600 megawatts of wind energy capacity since its inception in 1996. The company is based in Mold, Flintshire, where it has invested £2million in the construction of its purpose-built, award-winning and energy-efficient premises.
West Coast Energy Polska joins the Polish Wind Energy Association as a corporate member.
