The new venture, dubbed ‘Skylark,’ will draw on the expertise of Ecotricity in developing green energy projects through planning. Meanwhile, Skanska will utilise its expertise in construction and engineering. The initiative represents a potential investment of £500million — should the projects be consented — while supplying green electricity to 200,000 homes. Skylark also expects to create a range of new jobs, from planning experts through to scientific, technical, construction and maintenance positions.

 

“Our shared pursuit of sustainability and our complementary skill sets creates a strong partnership,” said Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricty. “It’s a simple partnership that will help to bring energy independence to Britain using green energy made in Britain.”

 

Ecotricity is a ‘not-for-dividend’ enterprise that operates a unique ‘bills into mills’ business model, meaning customers’ energy bills are used to fund the building of new sources of green energy. The company powers almost 150,000 homes and businesses from a growing fleet of wind and sun parks.

 

For its part, Skanskna — one of the world’s leading construction groups — will carry out all aspects of the construction and development, as well as investment. The company’s track record includes major projects in Britain for over the past 10 years, including large PFI contracts such as Barts & The London Hospitals and the M25. Skanska also built two large wind farms in their native Sweden.

 

“At Skanska, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” said Steve Cooper, executive vice president, infrastructure development. “Wherever we work, we strive to push forward the green agenda in construction and infrastructure development.”

 

Three development sites have already been identified for Skylark’s first round of investment, representing around 100MW of generating capacity, with the target of delivering new renewable energy capacity for Britain as early as 2018.