December 20, 2005

Coronation Power has submitted separate planning applications to Calderdale, Rochdale and Rossendale Councils for the erection of met masts to test the strength and the direction of the wind on three areas of land in east Lancashire. The areas of land at Crook Hill (near Wardle), Reaps Moss (near Bacup) and Todmorden Moor, have been identified by Coronation as possible locations for small wind farms of no more than six wind turbines on each landholding.

If approved by the three local authorities, the met masts will be installed for a period of between 12 and 18 months. The data taken from the 60 metre met masts, plus the various other studies and consultations that will be undertaken by Coronation will determine whether or not the company will seek full planning permission for the three wind farms.

Paul Taylor, Coronation's Community Relations Manager, said: "The information from the met mast and our environmental assessments of the three locations are vital pieces of our feasibility work. We have started the environmental impact assessment on each and this will continue over the next few months. We also intend to share our plans with local people and listen to their views before any planning applications for the wind farm are made."

The proposed Crook Hill wind farm will have a potential capacity of 11.5MW, meeting the needs of about 8,000 homes - approximately 10% of Rochdale's domestic electricity consumption. The wind farm proposed for Reaps Moss wind farm will have a potential capacity of 13.8MW, meeting the needs of about 12,000 homes - approximately 44% of Rossendale's domestic electricity consumption. The Todmorden Moor wind farm, if approved, will have a potential capacity of 11.5MW, meeting the needs of about 8,500 homes - approximately 10% of Calderdale's domestic electricity consumption.

However, the precise number, height and location of the turbines on each site will be finalised once consultations and the technical assessments have been completed and Coronation has decided that the schemes are viable.