The project is called ‘Skylark’ and draws upon the experience of Ecotricity in developing green energy projects through the planning stages while Skanska will utilise their expertise in construction and engineering.
The joint venture (JV) will aim to develop 350MW of new green energy projects into the planning system in the first 5 years, which would represent a potential investment of £500 million should they receive planning consent. This should supply enough green electricity to power 200,000 homes.
Three development sites have already been identified for Skylark’s first round of investment, representing around 100MW of generating capacity. The aim is to deliver new renewable energy capacity for Britain as early as 2018. The programme will also create a range of new jobs, from planning experts through to scientific, technical, construction and maintenance roles.
“Ecotricity were the world’s first green electricity company, while Skanska aims to be the greenest construction company in the world – our shared pursuit of sustainability and our complementary skill sets creates a strong partnership” said Dale Vince, Ecotricity’s founder. “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. It’s a simple partnership that will help to bring energy independence to Britain using green energy made in Britain.”
Ecotricity is a ‘not-for-dividend’ enterprise that operates a unique ‘bills into mills’ business model – that uses customers’ energy bills to fund the building of new sources of green energy.
Dale Vince added that the JV will help Ecotricity further advance the mission the company already pursues with the support of its customers – changing the way energy is made in Britain so that UK citizens can all live more sustainable lives.
In March, Skanska was FT ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Award in the category corporate responsibility and environment. The jury made the award for the way in which the company champions sustainability right across its value chain, incorporating environmental concerns into every aspect of its design.
Skansks is one of the world’s leading construction groups, carrying out all aspects of construction and development as well as investment. They have developed major projects in Britain for the last ten years, including large PFI contracts. They have also built two large wind farms in Sweden where the company is based.
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