Skylark – a new joint venture between construction firm Skanska and green energy specialist Ecotricity – has announced plans to build £500M worth of onshore wind farms in Britain.
The partnership said it is aiming to put 350 MW of new green energy projects into the planning system over the next five years, which could supply electricity to 200,000 homes.
Subject to these projects being given appropriate consents, construction of the new wind farms will create a range of jobs from planning experts through to scientific, technical, construction and maintenance roles.
Three development sites have already been identified for Skylark’s first round of investment, representing around 100 MW of generating capacity, with the target of delivering new renewable energy capacity for Britain as early as 2018.
Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said: “Ecotricity will use its expertise in green energy development to design wind parks and gain planning consents, while Skanska will use their expertise in construction to build them.
“Our shared pursuit of sustainability and our complementary skill sets creates a strong partnership. It’s a simple partnership that will help to bring energy independence to Britain using green energy made in Britain.”
Skanska Infrastructure Development executive vice president Steve Cooper said: “At Skanska, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Wherever we work, we strive to push forward the green agenda in construction and infrastructure development. Our green agenda, together with our wish to build what society needs, help to define us as a company.”
