RWE Innogy takes over Czech wind projects

MUNICH, Germany, June 10 (UPI) -- Germany-based RWE Innogy is taking over wind energy projects in the Czech Republic.

Aufwind Energie's six proposed projects carry a total volume of 100 megawatts. The project developer sold its control to RWE. RWE has also acquired Aufwind's local project development company AFE Bohemia.

The German utility announced it expects to get building permission for the six locations in the Bohemia and North Moravia regions between 2009 and 2011.

"The Czech Republic has long numbered among RWE's core markets. With the current transaction, we are securing a good starting position, which will allow us to substantially grow in the area of renewable energy here," said Fritz Vahrenholt, RWE Innogy's chairman.

RWE Innogy said that renewable energy reportedly accounts for 4.7 percent of power generation in the Czech Republic. By 2010 that percentage is expected to increase to 8 percent. The European Commission has set a target of 13 percent renewable energy by 2020. At present, less than 100 megawatts of wind power capacity is installed in the country.