MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

German technology for Falklands' wind farm

An “exciting scheme” which should reduce the Falkland Islands capital Stanley power station's fuel consumption by at least 20% is progressing well, reports the local Penguin News in its latest edition.

The Sand Bay wind farm project will supplement Stanley power station with electricity produced by three large scale wind turbines.

The Islands Executive Council in its last meeting decided to proceed with the next stage of this project, by releasing funding of some £2.3 million which is linked to the award approval of a contract to the suppliers of the turbines, the German company Enercon, and other preparatory steps essential to the implementation of the project.

"This is an exciting scheme, which promises at least a 20% reduction in the power station's annual fuel consumption", said Governor Mr. Howard Pearce.

"At the present fuel price, the capital costs should be paid back in just under seven years, a very good rate of return. I should like to congratulate all concerned with bringing this imaginative project this far, and wish them every success in bringing the new turbines into operation", he added.

One consequence of the scheme is the need to amend the Stanley Common Ordinance 1999 to permit the installation of wind turbines on the Common.

A number of other recent decisions by Executive Council have also created the need to amend the Ordinance, in connection with the use of parts of Stanley Common for the rifle range and associated activities, and for training exercises by the FIDF and the fire and rescue services.

Executive Council approved the Stanley Common (Amendment) Bill for publication in the Gazette and submission to Legislative Council in July.

Also agreed by Executive Council was the extension of the Rural Energy Grant Scheme, which enables people in Camp to install wind turbines, to allow non-farming commercial enterprises in Camp to benefit from it, irrespective of whether the applicant is a full-time Camp resident or not. (PN)