BT signs up fourth UK windfarm

New agreement underpins telecommunications company’s long-term commitment to renewables

BT has signed a £185m power purchase agreement (PPA) with a windfarm in Scotland to secure an additional source of renewable energy.

The telecommunications giant will get 100 GW hours per year from the windfarm at Stroupster, which is in the far north of the country.

The company now has agreements with four windfarms in the UK, including Fallago Rig in the Scottish Borders.

It also makes use of a windfarm at Mynydd Bwllfa in Wales, which powers half of the telecommunications company’s energy requirements in Wales, and a windfarm in Lancashire.

BT’s general manager of power procurement, Rob Williams, said the latest agreement underpinned the firm’s long-term commitment to renewable energy.

“By 2020 we aim to be purchasing 100 per cent renewable electricity worldwide, so soon all of our power will come from sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat wherever we operate across the globe – where markets allow,” said Williams.

“We hope our commitment to renewable energy will encourage more consumers and businesses to make the move towards renewable energy.”

The deal was welcomed by Scottish Renewables’ director of policy, Jenny Hogan, who said the growing number of large companies, like BT, who are sourcing power from wind, solar and biomass, shows that “renewable energy makes good business sense”.

“Renewables are already Scotland’s biggest source of power – ahead of nuclear, gas and coal – and have the potential to provide half of all Scotland’s energy – electricity, heat and transport – by 2030,” said Hogan.

“It’s great to see firms like BT grasp this opportunity to cut carbon and stabilise their energy costs.”