Former coal mining sites in the UK are to be redeveloped into wind farms as part of a scheme to replace old energy with new.

Peel Energy and UK Coal, in a joint venture, will erect 54 turbines on 14 old colliery locations to generate 133 megawatts per hour and provide electricity to 80,000 homes in the UK.

UK Coal was formerly part of the National Coal Board. Its chief executive John Lloyd declared that there was significant opportunity for wind farm development on parts of UK Coal’s land portfolio. He claimed that by announcing joint venture with Peel Energy, company has joined forces with most knowledgeable and active wind power companies of the UK.

UK Coal has already started harnessing of methane gas and is hoping to submit for planning permission for sites which will be ready in next three months.

Peel Energy is already generating 450MW wind power and also working on Scout Moor project, England’s largest, with 26 turbines. It is developing Royal Seaforth Dock wind farm and has sought planning permission for wind farm at Port of Sheerness.

According to Peel Energy’s director Steven Underwood, agreement with UK Coal was a step forward in expanding onshore pipeline and getting access to best wind farm sites of the UK.

An analyst at Numis Securities termed the deal as pretty good and commented that UK Coals’ innovative wind farm initiatives would derive big advantage from Peel Energy’s capital and expertise.