BT is planning to develop wind farms to generate up to 25 per cent of its existing UK electricity needs by 2016.
The project will cost up to £250m and will use third party funding and renewable energy partners to help the telecoms giant reduce its carbon emissions.
The wind farms could generate a total of 250MW of electricity, which would prevent the release of 500,000 tonnes of CO2 each year compared with coal generation. BT is aiming to have 50 wind turbines up and running by 2012, which would generate around 100MW of power.
The company said it has applied for planning permission for test masts at Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Cornwall, Wideford Hill Radio Station in Orkney and Scousburgh Radio Station in Shetland. It anticipates obtaining 25% of its power from the farms, which will be working by 2016. The company is also identifying high wind sites on or adjacent to land it owns.
John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform commented on BT’s plans and said it is a great example of how businesses can help us meet our target to significantly increase the quantity of energy we get from renewable sources.
All good stuff Matty. I see that this project is the biggest expansion of renewable energy outside the energy sector so it’s a huge plan.
It’s all in response to public demand. Customers are questioning the carbon footprint of the services they are consuming and the providers are responding appropriately.
Good, good.
We like environment solutions don’t we!
I agree public pressure & a general will across the UK to see things done (not just talked about) is producing some significant progress with investment in environmental projects by a wider cross section of groups that make up our society.
It is good. Of course BT will be getting outside funding help with this.