30th June, 2009
The University of York is exploring whether the new extension to its main campus is a suitable site for up to two wind turbines.
It is working with Partnerships for Renewables on a feasibility study which will assess whether an area of the 117-hectare site is an appropriate location. The University is considering the idea as part of its commitment to using renewable energy resources.
Partnerships for Renewables was established by the Carbon Trust to work with public sector bodies to develop renewable energy projects which offer benefits to both the organisation in question and the local community.
The University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Estates, Elizabeth Heaps, said: "As with all significant developments, we wish to consult with the York community. I hope people will take this opportunity to let us know what they think as we explore the potential for this idea in the coming months.
“The extension to our main campus will be a tremendous resource both for the University and the community. Wind turbines could bring considerable benefits in helping us to meet our stringent renewable energy targets for the whole campus, but we need to be sure this is an appropriate solution.”
Jo Fleming, Regional Manager for Partnerships for Renewables, said: “We are currently undertaking feasibility work to establish whether we should progress to the more detailed environmental work that is ultimately required before a planning application can be made.
“We are committed to only developing wind turbines in appropriate locations and if we get results back from any of our studies that show that a site is not appropriate we will stop working on it.
“The development process is a long one and it is likely that even if the results of studies and consultations are positive it is likely to be two years before a planning application comes forward.”
Nick Rau, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "It’s a really positive step that the University of York is investigating whether its campus is a suitable site for wind turbines.
“These wind turbines could make a big dent in the city’s carbon emissions and bring financial benefits to the community.
“Our new campaign Get Serious About CO2 is calling for many more local renewable energy initiatives like this to help avert runaway climate change and provide a far cleaner, safer and more secure energy supply than relying on imported oil and gas.”