Scottish and Southern Energy Cancels Plans for Kintyre Offshore Windfarm

---

Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--Scottish and Southern Energy plc (OTC:SSEZY) (SSE) (Perth, Scotland) has cancelled plans to develop a large offshore windfarm off the coast at Kintyre in western Scotland.

The 378-megawatt (MW) windfarm, which would have been capable of generating enough electricity for more than 400,000 homes, was to be located two kilometres off the coast of the famous beauty spot of Kintyre. Local opposition seems to have played a large role in seeing the project canned. SSE admitted that a number of factors were involved in the decision not to proceed, including the wind resource, the proximity to Campbeltown Airport and local communities, and the impact on recreational sailing in the area.

SSE was granted permission to construct two windfarms off the west coast by the Crown Estate in 2009. Although SSE has ditched the Kintyre project, it remains determined to forge ahead with plans for the Islay Windfarm, a 670-MW project located 12 kilometres off the western coast. The windfarm will generate enough power for approximately 730,000 homes. An application will be made in 2013.

"Having assessed the wind resource, listened to the concerns of local residents, businesses and other stakeholders, and having regard to the impact of Campbeltown Airport and the recreational sailing community, we believe our decision to halt the development of the Kintyre site is the responsible course of action to take," commented Colin Hood, the chief operating officer of SSE.

"Islay has massive potential to contribute to the Scottish and U.K. governments' renewable energy targets," said Hood. Our proposed timetable for developing this site will allow time for the innovative development of the offshore technology and construction techniques necessary to build a windfarm in such a challenging environment."

He added: "SSE remains committed to developing offshore wind in the U.K., with Greater Gabbard and Walney windfarms producing their first electricity in January. Our plans to develop the Galloper and Beatrice offshore sites are on course, and we aim to submit applications to develop these sites within the next 12 months."

In January, SSE announced that its jointly owned Greater Gabbard and Walney offshore windfarms--two of the largest in the U.K. and Europe--began generating their first electricity. Greater Gabbard (500 MW), which is 23 kilometres off the coast of Suffolk in the North Sea, will be fully commissioned next year while Walney 1 (183.6 MW), located in the Irish Sea off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness, will be commissioned in the first half of this year. Construction of Walney 2 (183.6 MW) gets under way this month with commissioning expected by the end of the year. For additional information, see January 20, 2011, article - Greater Gabbard and Walney Windfarms Generate First Electricity.

IIR's Renewable Energy Database provides extensive coverage on the wind energy, geothermal, hydroelectric, landfill gas-to-energy and utility-scale solar power plants throughout North America, and now expanding coverage across the world.

View Plant Profile - 1062779 1063164
View Project Report - 200001109 78000297 78000304

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. IIR's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.