Cornwall renewable energy schemes 'strain electricity grid'

Renewable energy projects have soared in the South West

Renewable energy projects are putting parts of Cornwall's electricity grid under severe strain, according to the region's power firm.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) said that without expensive investment the grid would struggle to cope with taking any more power.

And developers could be asked to pick up "a large proportion of these costs".

Renewables advisor Regen SW warned charges, totalling up to £4m, may be a barrier to renewable energy schemes.

New renewable energy projects in the South West rose from 936 in 2009/10 to 47,423 in 2011/12, said Regen SW.

Cost 'too big'

Since 2009, Cornwall Council has approved nearly 50 solar farms covering more than 1,600 acres.

WPD said all the solar farms in the pipeline would produce another 250 megawatts (MW) of power and parts of its system "would be at the limit of the generation they can accommodate".

It pinpointed the Pyworthy and St Tudy areas as being closest to capacity.

WPD said in a statement: "We have seen many large scale photovoltaic (PV) generation applications, as well as a few wind farms across the South West and particularly in Cornwall over the last few years.

"To connect further would therefore require extensive reinforcement of existing or building of new circuits, which can be quite expensive."

It said costs could be £1m to £4m depending on the size of the changes.

Merlin Hyman of Regen SW, which promotes renewable energy in the region, said: "It is not a secret that the grid's capacity is the biggest constraining factor for the growth of solar energy.

"We are working hard with Western Power Distribution to ensure there is investment in reinforcing networks, otherwise the grid will be a major barrier to some renewable energy projects.

"Investment to create robust local networks will enable more local generation of secure energy rather than relying on uncertain imported fossil fuels."

'Extraordinary powerhouse'

He said Regen wanted WPD to increase its plans to spend £3m a year reinforcing the network which "we don't think is enough".

The Energy Networks Association said: "Large scale generation projects will benefit from the energy they will sell to consumers and so it is fair that they cover the cost to reinforce the network that their project will profit from."

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said there was a growing need in the county to "manage additions to the grid more carefully".

"Cornwall is the most extraordinary powerhouse for natural energy and it's very exciting," he said.

"But we need 21st century connections to get that energy out of Cornwall and into the rest of the country."