Potential wind turbine site at Lea Marston
Published: 25/10/2010
Initial investigations for wind turbines in Lea Marston show real potential for renewable energy. The Environment Agency and renewable energy developer Partnerships for Renewables (PfR) are looking at the possibility of putting two wind turbines on Environment Agency land at Lea Marston. Studies are still in their preliminary stages but initial investigations show the site has real potential to host two turbines, with a generating capacity of 2.5 megawatts each. This could generate around 11 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity every year, powering 2,400 homes*. With less than two per cent of energy in the Midlands currently coming from renewable sources, the Environment Agency and PfR are committed to helping the UK meet its target of generating 15 per cent of the UK’s energy from renewables by 2020. Steve Morley, Environment Agency Area Manager, said: “Generating renewable energy will play a key part in reducing our dependency on non-renewable supplies and help us produce sustainable energy for future generations. We see this as an opportunity to do our bit to help the UK meet its target and tackle climate change, which is a key priority for us.” Regional Manager at developer PfR, Jo Fleming, said: “We’re only just beginning these studies, but want to ensure that local communities and interest groups can contribute to our investigations and have access to information throughout the process. We’re working closely with the RSPB to agree what bird surveys are required and will be consulting them fully throughout the development process.” “If the results of the detailed technical and environmental studies now underway prove positive, we’ll submit a planning application no earlier than the second half of 2012. Discussions with neighbours and communities will enable us to shape an effective wind energy development.” “If the project goes ahead there would be an independently administered annual community benefit fund with local people deciding how to put this money to the best use.” Partnerships for Renewables will be submitting a planning application towards the middle of next month for a temporary monitoring mast to gather wind data. A public exhibition – to introduce the proposal and the project team to the local community – will be held from 2pm – 7pm, on Tuesday 16 November at Lea Marston Hotel, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, B76 0BY. For further information about the site and the types of environmental and technical investigations involved, please visit: www.pfr.co.uk/leamarston * Note: The environmental benefit figures are based on two 2.5 megawatt turbines, operating with a 25% capacity factor; average household electricity use of 4,572.5kWh per annum; and the electricity generated displacing electricity generated from CCGT / average fuel mix - approx. 430gCO2/kWh. -Ends- For further information please contact: Jo Reeves, Communications Officer, Partnerships for Renewables Tel: 07540 688 031 or Email: jo.reeves@pfr.co.uk Notes to editors PfR was set up by the Carbon Trust specifically to partner with public sector bodies to build renewable energy projects on their land in the UK. The company has been investigating Environment Agency sites for possible development across England and Wales since 2008. For further information please visit www.pfr.co.uk
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