GLASGOW, UK, Apr 27, 2006 -- MARKET WIRE

 

ScottishPower was today granted final planning approval to construct Europe's largest on-shore windfarm, the 322MW Whitelee project south of Glasgow. The 140 turbine project would provide enough green energy to power 200,000 homes.

ScottishPower's Chief Executive, Philip Bowman, said "This project is of national importance and would make a significant contribution towards Scotland's renewable energy target for 2010. Subject to Board approval Whitelee would be our second large scale windfarm in Scotland's Central Belt and another excellent example of how large projects can be developed close to population centres, existing electricity grid and road infrastructure.

"The successful development of Whitelee highlights the importance of clarity and consistency from the Government in the operation of its Renewables Obligation (RO). It is vital that the integrity of the RO policy and its implementation remains intact, otherwise investment confidence will be damaged and the UK's renewables' target threatened."

ScottishPower is already the largest generator of wind power in the UK with 288 MW operational and 75 MW currently under construction. Including Whitelee, ScottishPower has had a further four projects totalling over 400MW approved for construction over the past few months.

SOURCE: Scottish Power PLC

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