ACE launches environmental policy for UK and Ireland

Property and casualty insurer ACE has launched what it believes is the first dedicated environmental policy for companies in the renewable energy industry in the UK and Ireland.

ACE renewable energy environmental protection is being introduced as the firm seeks to invest in its environmental risk capabilities.

According to ACE, the new offering covers the full spectrum of environmental risks faced by renewable energy companies, providing coverage, from the start of construction of renewable energy plants through to their operation.

It is available to energy producers in every renewable sector, namely solar, onshore and offshore wind, tidal, hydro, waste-to-energy, biofuel and landfill gas extraction

Key coverage features according to the firm include: new and historical pollution risks; first party business interruption cover upon completion and operation of the facility; automatic coverage for on-going maintenance post construction; biodiversity damage up to the full policy limit as standard; and the ability to accommodate lenders’ clauses, subject to internal legal review.

The cover is supported by a team of environmental scientists and engineers, backed up with crisis management support for all risks.

“While renewable energy and environmental risks have been in the news for many years now, still many brokers and their clients in the sector are still unaware of the environmental risk exposures that they face and with increasing regulation and third party costs, they could potentially face expensive and damaging claims,” said Emma Bartolo, environmental risk manager, in the UK and Ireland for ACE.

“What they will get with ACE renewable energy environmental protection is the peace of mind that they have comprehensive, market-leading cover and benefit from the experience of our specialist