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Mick Bates opens new npower renewables office in Llanidloes eco-park
October 7, 2008 12:00 AM
npower renewables, one of Wales and the UK's leading renewable energy
developers, officially opened its new offices in Llanidloes, Powys, on
Friday 3 October, at the town's newly regenerated eco-park.
The decision to relocate to larger more modern offices in Llanidloes will
enable npower renewables' 13 mainly local staff to maintain 16 of the
company's 22 renewable energy projects across Wales and parts of England.
Friday's office opening was achieved thanks to a successful arrangement
established between the company and Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). WAG has
undertaken a major regeneration of the previous die-cast industrial site at
Llanidloes, creating the new Parc Derwen Fawr eco-park. Aimed at new and
expanding businesses. npower renewables was delighted to be able to take up
the first of the business units (Unit 8) and hopes to act as a catalyst to
attract other businesses into the area.
To mark the official opening of the new offices, npower renewables' head of
UK operations Andy Billcliff was joined by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member
Mick Bates, guests from Welsh Assembly Government and local communities,
before unveiling a commemorative plaque.
The opening event was also an opportunity to celebrate the strong links
between the company and the local community, with guests from local
organisations in attendance. Since arriving at Llanidloes, npower renewables
has been able to support a number of local organisations, and has
contributed to the local economy through the frequent use of local services.
npower renewables' Head of UK Operations Andy Billcliff said: "We were
delighted to be able to work alongside Welsh Assembly Government to secure
the first of these fantastic business units, and to be able to continue our
close links with the town.
"For the last 15 years, Llanidloes has been strategically important to our
operations in Wales. From here we maintain our renewable energy projects
which are responsible for the generation of nearly half of Wales' onshore
and offshore renewable energy. As Welsh and UK governments drive to reduce
emissions of the green house gas carbon dioxide, and increase renewable
energy production, we fully anticipate our pipeline schemes will greatly
increase that commitment in the future."
Mr Bates added: "These offices will provide a tremendous platform from which
I hope to see the regeneration of the economic fortunes of Llanidloes,
following the loss of its largest employers. The business units are also a
shining example for how successful partnerships between the Welsh Assembly
Government, businesses and local communities can work together to aid local
regeneration. I am delighted that npower renewables' continues to have faith
in the town and I hope this attracts other large companies to look to
similar opportunities in Llanidloes and other Welsh towns."
Llanidloes has proved strategically important for npower renewables for over
15 years, providing a central base from which to operate across Wales. As
the need for renewable energy increases in line with Welsh and UK government
targets to reduce emissions of the green house gas carbon dioxide, and
increase energy production from renewable sources, the offices at Llanidloes
will play an increasingly important role in maintaining existing and future
schemes.
Notes:
npower renewables' recently unveiled 130-195megawatt (MW) Carnedd Wen Wind
Farm and Habitat Restoration Project - the largest onshore renewable energy
wind farm in the England and Wales - would be operated and maintained from
Llanidloes if the project receives planning permission. Public information
exhibitions are due to take place next week, for anyone who would like to
find our more about the scheme. The exhibitions take place on Friday 17
October, from 2 - 7pm, at the Dyffryn Restaurant in Foel; and on Saturday
18th October, from 10am - 4pm, at the Llanbrynmair Community Centre,
adjacent to Llanbrynmair Primary School.
End / Diwedd
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