Capacity boost for SSE from Clyde unit

City Editor

Thursday 28 June 2012

PERTH-based SSE claims to be the largest generator of wind power in Great Britain and Ireland after a further expansion of its £500 million onshore Clyde facility in South Lanarkshire.

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TIM SHARP

SSE said that its onshore wind-farm capacity has increased by 34 megawatts in recent weeks to 1337mw, after further progress at the Clyde farm between Biggar and Moffat which is due to be completed by the end of the summer.

SSE also has a 25.1% stake in the £1 billion Walney wind farm off Cumbria, which has helped boost its offshore capacity 69mw to 256mw.Gregor Alexander, finance director of SSE, said: "SSE's investment in large capital projects is delivering a significantly expanding asset base, which is supporting secure and lower carbon energy supplies in Great Britain and Ireland."It is also earning the returns that are necessary to sustain future investment and to meet SSE's target of annual above-inflation increases in the dividend payable to shareholders, including an increase of at least 2% real in respect of 2012/13."The development puts SSE above ScottishPower, which has 1200mw of onshore wind power in the United Kingdom with only a minimal presence in Ireland.ScottishPower, too, is undertaking a massive expansion of its wind interests including working with Denmark's Dong Energy in constructing the offshore West of Duddon Sands wind farm.Meanwhile, SSE confirmed that, helped by recent rainfall, it was now filling the reservoir at its troubled Glendoe hydro electric plant.Glendoe was Scotland's first major hydroelectric scheme since the 1950s, but closed in August 2009, just months after opening when a rock fall blocked a tunnel.SSE said that "subject to adequate rainfall", electricity generation should resume later this summer.The firm is this week hosting an event for analysts and investors.

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Capacity boost for SSE from Clyde unit

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