CGN starts building British wind farm

A Chinese State-owned nuclear group has started construction on the multimillion-dollar Brenig onshore wind farm in the United Kingdom.

The renewable energy operation of China General Nuclear Power Corp, or CGN, announced this week it was carrying out building work at the Denbigh site in North Wales in partnership with Jones Bros Civil Engineering, a UK company.

The 16-turbine project is due to be completed in 2018 and will generate up to 37.6 megawatts of electricity, which could power 25,000 households.

Lu Wei, general manager of CGN European Energy Co, pointed out that Brenig was a significant development because it was the first time the group had led a construction consortium for a wind power project.

"The area's geography and its high-quality wind source meant the project attracted bids from many leading energy suppliers," Lu said. "CGN's ability to secure the project was a good reflection of the company's capabilities."

Construction of the Brenig wind farm will take between 12 and 15 months.

So far, the development has created 6.4 million pounds ($8.46 million) of contracts for local companies.

"We expect the project will stimulate the UK economy even more and continue to create jobs after the end of construction," Lu said.

Incorporated in 2014 in France, CGN European Energy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CGN, which is a major investor in the UK's nuclear power sector.

Since its establishment, it has taken on energy projects in the UK, France, Belgium and Ireland. According to company, it is the seventh-largest new energy operator in Europe.

The company also brought in Natural Power as a partner on the project. The UK firm will provide technical support during the construction process.

"Our investment in new energy already exceeds 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion)," Lu said.

He added that the company is looking to invest in projects in regions covered by the Belt and Road Initiative.