UK grid deal aids midlands energy project

A renewable energy project that is aiming to turn the midlands into a single, large linked windfarm producing 5,000MW of energy a year took a step closer to becoming reality with an agreement to provide energy to the UK’s National Grid.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between the Irish and British governments for the export of power from Ireland to the UK. Late last year the UK published its latest energy bill which, for the first time, makes specific provision for an Energy Bridge type project.

Mainstream, the company behind the project, has reached a significant landmark with half of the landowners required signing contracts to allow turbines on their land. The remaining landowners are finalising terms and conditions, the company said.