Aviation discussions raise challenges for Oxford wind energy sites
Published: 24/08/2010
Oxford City Council and Partnerships for Renewables have announced that aviation studies and discussions with the Ministry of Defence have highlighted important challenges facing two potential wind turbine sites in Oxford. BAE Systems are working on behalf of Partnerships for Renewables and will be liaising with the MoD to ensure that the developments only go ahead if the sites are shown to be appropriate. Tony Duffin, from Partnerships for Renewables, said: “It is not uncommon for a potential commercial-scale wind turbine to face some form of aviation issue during the development process - in this case it’s the potential impact on existing radars at RAF Benson and RAF Brize Norton. Many design and technical fixes have been developed for resolving such aviation issues and we will be seeking the best resolution in discussion with both the MoD and BAE Systems. “We are confident that we can work towards a resolution for one of our projects, but addressing the cumulative impact of both will be more challenging. Our ongoing work at the Oxford Road site near Horspath will continue, but we won’t be initiating any more work at Cutteslowe Park at present. Any decisions to continue work at this site will be made by us, the Council and our aviation consultants BAE Systems. We have always said that we will only proceed with a development if the site is found to be suitable for a wind turbine. If we cannot find a suitable solution then the investigation work will stop”. Councillor John Tanner, Board Member for Cleaner, Greener Oxford, said: "It is a big disappointment that the wind turbine site at Cutteslowe is being put on hold by Partnership for Renewables, but we absolutely understand that Oxford''s wind turbines must not compromise RAF radar systems." "We wish PfR every success in finding a technical solution to the radar problem with the Horspath site as work on that wind turbine site continues. The City Council remains committed to working with PfR and to promoting green energy wherever we can." Nigel Pierce, BAE Systems said: “It is important that aviation interests are taken seriously during the development process for any commercial-scale wind turbine. We are pleased that both the Council and Partnerships for Renewables have sought to clarify the issues at such an early stage and are working with us and the MoD to ensure that any development does not pose a problem for local aviation.” Environmental and technical studies are ongoing at the Oxford Road site and a planning application for a temporary monitoring mast to gather wind data is expected following further consultation with the MoD. -Ends- For further information please contact: Jo Reeves, Communications Officer, Partnerships for Renewables Tel: 07540 688 031 or email: jo.reeves@pfr.co.uk or Louisa Dean, Press Officer, Oxford City Council Tel: 01865 252096 or email ldean@oxford.gov.uk Editor’s notes: - Oxford City Council is the first council in England and Wales to commit to exploring the potential for commercial scale wind energy on its land. The council has formed a partnership with PfR, which has surveyed hundreds of possible sites for wind turbines around Oxford, narrowing it down to two after various investigations.
- Partnerships for Renewables was set up by the Carbon Trust in 2006 to work in partnership with the public sector to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects. By providing a one stop shop for the development of renewable energy projects, Partnerships for Renewables provide a way for public sector bodies to access the economic and environmental benefits associated with renewable energy and contribute towards the fight against climate change without diverting public sector resources away from frontline services.
- For more information on PfR please visit www.pfr.co.uk
- For more information on the Horspath site visit www.pfr.co.uk/horspath
- For more information on the Cutteslowe site visit www.pfr.co.uk/cutteslowe
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