Utility Juvent commissions two Vestas 1.75 MW turbines

Juvent, the wind energy subsidiary of Swiss utility BKW FMB Energie, has commissioned two Vestas 1.75 MW turbines on Mont-Soleil near Saint-Imier. At a cost of CHF 7 million (EUR 4.61 million), the project brings the company's combined wind capacity to 7.66 MW from eight turbines. "Wind energy is being expanded according to demand, using private initiative and market oriented models," says the company's Martin Pfisterer. He hopes to recover Juvent's wind investment costs through sale of the electricity. If successful, further expansion of its wind fleet is planned. At a premium of only EUR 0.118/kWh, Juvent electricity is the most attractive new renewable energy in Switzerland, says Pfisterer. But selling more than 3.5 GWh is a "big task," he adds.