Jul 3 2007
A Scottish renewable energy company has been appointed to advise on a multi-million pound wind farm development in China.
Leading independent renewable energy consultancy, SgurrEnergy, will provide technical advice on the first-phase of the Bailingmiao project on behalf of Honiton Energy - emerging as China's fastest-growing alternative energy provider.
The project is the first Chinese wind farm to be funded by a western developer and marks the beginning of Honiton's ambitious plans to install 4000MW of wind farm development over the next 15 years.
SgurrEnergy's multi-disciplined teams in Glasgow and Beijing are now working as Technical Advisor for the 50MW development which will feature 40 x 1.25MW turbines supplied by Indian manufacturer Suzlon.
The harsh weather conditions on the site in Inner Mongolia mean expert engineers face tough challenges when modelling energy yield and selecting turbines designed to withstand the extreme conditions.
SgurrEnergy's knowledge of the Asian energy marketplace, grid infrastructure, local laws and construction helped smooth negotiations with overseas contractors.
Steve McDonald, Implementation Director at SgurrEnergy, said: "The rising demand for energy in China coupled with new legislation is clearly setting the country on a sustainable development and renewable energy path supporting the rapid expansion of the renewable energy market.
"Honiton is not subject to the same planning restrictions as we have in the UK, and in China there are areas of land designated to build wind farms - so it's a huge project and essentially the development of state wind facilities.
"This new project aims to build 4000MW of wind energy over the next 15 years so we will have to double our manpower in the next five years to meet the expectations of Honiton.
"We hope the work will demonstrate our ability to deliver such projects for local and international developers and give us greater kudos in future business development."
Steve McDonald and co-founder Ian Irvine worked with ScottishPower Technology Division before founding SgurrEnergy five years ago.
Today the company has 50 staff with offices in Glasgow and Beijing, and have their sights on the US and middle east.
Steve said: "We now have ambitious plans to grow our geographical footprint throughout the world by opening further offices in the US, Canada, India and Poland.
"The business is now worldwide and we plan to become the biggest renewable energy consultant in the world."
Stewart Alexander, Chief Technical Officer at Honiton Energy, added: "SgurrEnergy's consultants have been instrumental in moving this project forward while ensuring that the technical elements are sound."