Benefits
Onshore wind power is one of the most mature and cost-effective renewable energy technologies and the UK has the greatest wind resources in Europe.
Oxford City Council and Partnerships for Renewables believe that a wind energy development at the Horspath site will provide a number of benefits.
Environmental benefits
Our studies show that a development of a single wind turbine is possible at the Horspath site.
If a single 2.5 MW turbine was constructed it would be expected to generate approximately 5.5 GWh of green energy per year. This is equivalent to the amount of energy used annually by approximately 1,200 average households.
A wind energy development of this scale is expected to avoid approximately 2,350 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
The installation of even a single wind turbine on this site would be a significant step forward for Oxford City Council's Climate Change Action Plan.
Note: The environmental benefit figures are based on a single 2.5 megawatt turbine, operating with a 25% capacity factor; average household electricity use of 4700kWh per annum; and the electricity generated displacing electricity generated from CCGT / average fuel mix - approx. 430gCO2/kWh.
Economic benefits
In addition to Oxford City Council making a positive contribution towards the fight against climate change, Partnerships for Renewables will pay rent for the site, bringing in additional income to the Council.
The green electricity generated by any wind turbines on the Horspath site could be used locally or fed into the National Grid to provide annual income for the Council.
Community benefits
A market-leading community benefit package will be provided alongside any future development. This will consist of a community fund, which will receive an annual payment. The fund will be administered by representatives of the local community, to be spent in any way that the community sees fit.