Boralex and Infinergy target 325MW Scottish pipeline

UK: Developers Boralex and Infinergy have announced a joint venture (JV) aimed at creating a 325MW onshore pipeline in Scotland.

Infinergy is also seeking a second repowering of the Lochluichart wind farm (above), which it developed in the Scottish Highlands

The pipeline would consist of ten wind projects ranging from 6MW to 80MW, the companies said.

Under the JV, Canada-based Boralex would be able to acquire or resell the projects in the future.

The projects are at different stages of development, "from early stage to being on the verge of full authorisation", the companies said in a joint statement.

Infinergy and Boralex have committed to investing £6.6 million (€7.43 million) and £5.5 million (€6.18 million) until 2019 respectively to aid development of the pipeline.

Boralex chief executive officer Patrick Lemaire said the company was attracted to Scotland because of its support for renewable energy.

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, and head of the devolved Scottish government, Nicola Sturgeon, last week vowed to establish a publicly-owned, not-for-profit energy company to deliver Scottish-produced renewable energy.

"With Scotland’s strong political will to support the growth of all its renewable energy sources, we are excited to start working with our new partners Infinergy," Lemaire said.

"We are confident that Boralex will be able to contribute its unparalleled experience as a wind developer to complement Infinergy’s.

"We share the common objectives to develop, build and operate as many projects as possible over the next five to seven years," he added. 

Esbjorn Wilmar, chief executive of Infinergy, which also formed a JV with project adviser Greensolver in April, added: "We are very pleased to team up with a new partner who shares our positive outlook on renewable energy in general and the opportunities for onshore wind in Scotland in particular." 

Boralex is currently developing nearly 70MW of projects in Scotland.

According to Windpower Intelligence, the research and data division of Windpower Monthly, UK developer Infinergy is developing the planned 50MW Lambdoughty project, and owns the 39MW Tom nan Clach site which is under construction.