Investigation of Wind Energy Potential Near Gunthorpe Lock

Published: 14/10/2010

Since 2009 British Waterways has been working with Partnerships for Renewables (PfR) to explore the potential for renewable energy projects on waterways’ land nationally. As part of this work PfR will now begin investigating land near to the River Trent, north of Gunthorpe Lock as a potential location for a wind energy project.

Initial research suggests that the site could potentially host a single 1.5 Megawatt turbine with a maximum tip height of 125m (the combined height of the tower and blades). Investigation work is at a very early stage, with the first detailed studies of the site, including ornithology and wind speed investigations, due to begin shortly.

Regional Manager for Partnerships for Renewables, Tony Duffin, said:

“We are committed to only developing renewable energy projects in appropriate locations. If results of our environmental and technical studies show that the site is inappropriate we will stop the development process.

“No decision has yet been taken as to whether the site is an appropriate location for the development of a wind energy project. If the initial results of environmental and technical studies are encouraging then we would anticipate that a period of 12 months would be necessary to complete the investigations and assess the site’s suitability. Therefore the earliest date we would expect to submit a planning application for a turbine at the site would be the autumn of 2011.

“We want to ensure that the local community is central to our development work and hope to begin a dialogue by holding a public exhibition to introduce the proposal and the project team to the local community.

“As a part of our early investigations of the site we plan to submit a planning application for permission to erect a temporary wind monitoring mast at the site to Newark & Sherwood District Council shortly. This 70m mast would help to record accurate data to find out whether the wind conditions at the site are suitable.

“Anyone seeking further information on our work can contact the project team by e-mailing pfr@communityrelations.co.uk or calling 0800 731 7395.”

The public exhibition planned by PfR is due to be held during the autumn of 2010, with details to be advertised locally and posted on this project website shortly. The project team will be on hand to provide further information on their studies and discuss ideas for future development work with the local community.

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