28 February 2008 11:15
E.ON welcomes Government green light for South Yorkshire wind farm

E.ON, one of the country's leading green generators, has today (THURS 28 FEB) welcomed the decision by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks to give the go ahead for a 22 turbine wind farm near Doncaster.

The 66MW project which, when built, will generate enough clean, green energy to power up to 26,500 homes, was referred to the Planning Inspectorate for public inquiry last year.

Danny Shaw, Head of New Business for E.ON, said: "We're delighted with this decision as we believe Tween Bridge will help fight climate change by making a significant contribution to the Government's renewable energy targets.

"We're taking a leading role in the development of renewable energy in the UK and we currently have enough green power schemes in development to power more than one million homes and to prevent the emission of two million tonnes of greenhouse gases every year."

The wind turbines will be up to 125m to the tip of the highest blade.  Work on the site is not expected to start before 2009.  The scheme will save more than 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

E.ON operates 21 wind farms across the country and is currently building Robin Rigg in the Solway Firth which, when completed, will be one of the largest offshore wind farms in Europe.

The company also burns carbon neutral biomass at two of its coal-fired power stations and has just finished building one of the UK's most powerful dedicated biomass power stations at Steven's Croft, near Lockerbie.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest investor-owned power and gas company. We employ around 17,000 people in the UK;
• E.ON is the new name for Powergen. Our retail business is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around 8 million electricity and gas customer accounts, covering domestic, SME and industrial. E.ON offers central heating and boiler care through its Home Energy Services business;
• Our renewable portfolio generates enough green energy to power the homes in a city the size of Manchester.

For more information contact:

Jamee Majid on 024 7618 3679

Jonathan Smith on 024 7618 3676

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