Siemens has announced that South Wales-based firm Mabey Bridge will build the towers for 15 new 2.3MW turbines bound for the Mynydd y Betws wind farm in Carmarthenshire.
Siemens will supply, transport, install and commission the two-section 63-metre-high, 105 tonne towers for local developer, Cambrian Renewable Energy Limited (CREL).
CREL is owned by the ESB, Ireland’s biggest electricity utility company. The wind turbines will have a height of 110 metres, and an installed capacity of up to 34.5MW. The project will generate electricity to power approximately 18,250 households, equivalent to almost a quarter of Carmarthenshire.
More than two million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be saved over the lifetime of the project. The towers are to be delivered in summer 2012 and the project is due to be completed by February next year.
Commenting on the Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm project, a spokesperson from ESB said: “ESB is committed to realising benefits for local communities by developing new green energy sources. In the Mynydd y Betws project we are focused on the community and local supply chain development.”
“We are delighted that local Welsh supplier, Mabey Bridge has been selected as the tower manufacturer for this development. This will give an invaluable boost to the local economy in South Wales,” they added.
The new project adds to Siemen’s already prominent presence in Wales. Onshore Siemens successfully completed the Alltwalis wind farm in 2010. One of the largest offshore projects, Gwynt-y-Môr is in development. Siemens also developed the Rhyl Flats project inNorth Wales.
Alex Smale, UK director at Mabey Bridge, said that Siemen’s expertise would really help the industry in the region: “This is our first contract with Siemens and a real shot in the arm for our new wind turbine tower manufacturing facility. It is great news for our team and for the local community.”
