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.
Caerphilly County Borough Council and Partnerships for Renewables believe that a wind energy development at the Oakdale site will provide a number of benefits.
Environmental benefits
Our studies show that at this stage a development of up to 2 wind turbines is possible at the Oakdale site.
If 2 x 2.5 MW turbines are constructed they will generate approximately 11GWh of green energy per year. This is equivalent to the amount of energy used annually by approximately 2,400 average households.
A wind energy development of this scale is expected to avoid approximately 4,700 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Note: The environmental benefit figures are based on two 2.5 megawatt turbines, 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 the 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 and therefore benefiting the local community.
We are currently investigting the possibility that the green electricity generated by any wind turbines on the Oakdale site could supply local businesses with cheaper electricity. Alternatively the energy would be fed directly into the National Grid.
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.