---------------------------------------------
Wilson to head UK's first green energy deal with Cuba
SEVERAL Scots are at the forefront of the UK's first major renewable energy partnership with Cuba, it has emerged.
Former energy minister Brian Wilson is chairing a company that has struck a $250 million (£158m) agreement with a venture linked to Cuba's ministry of sugar that will see biomass generation plants built next to sugar mills in the communist country.UK-headquartered Havana Energy, part of the Esencia Group of companies, also has Scots-born Andrew Macdonald as its chief executive while scientists from the Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Strathclyde have also been involved in the project.
Havana Energy has struck a deal with Zerus, a firm backed by the Cuban state, to develop a 30-megawatt biomass plant at the Ciro Redondo sugar mill, some 400 kilometres from Havana. Four similar projects are due to follow.
The intention is for the schemes to be rolled into a joint venture company.
Commenting on the deal, Wilson said: "Having tried for more than a decade to promote closer economic links between the UK and Cuba, I am delighted to be involved in a project that demonstrates the benefits of such co-operation.
"Cuba has an excellent record both in providing electricity for its people and promoting environmental sustainability. This project will support both objectives. I have the highest regard for the abilities and objectives of our Cuban colleagues."
Cuba's sugar ministry and the country's national electricity board are seeking to increase power generation at all operating sugar mills to decentralise the grid, and provide power generation in areas which currently have weaker supply.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario