Benefits
The University of Reading and Partnerships for Renewables believe that a wind energy development at Rushy Mead will provide a number of benefits.
Environmental Benefits
Our studies show that a development of up to four wind turbines is possible at Rushy Mead. If four turbines are constructed they will generate approximately 22 GWh of green energy per year. This is equivalent to the amount of energy used annually by over 4,800 average households.
A wind energy development of this scale is expected to avoid approximately 9,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Please note: The environmental benefit figures are based on four, 2.5 megawatt turbines, operating with a 25% capacity factor; average household electricity use of 4,478kWh per annum; and the electricity generated displacing electricity generated fromm CCGT / average fuel mix - approx. 430gCO2/kWh
Economic Benefits
In addition to the University making a positive contribution towards the fight against climate change Partnerships for Renewables will pay rent for the site helping the University maintain its position as one of the UK’s top 10 research-intensive Universities.
The green electricity generated by any wind turbines on Reading University land will be supplied to the University at a reduced rate, or fed into the National Grid to provide annual income for the University to invest.
Once built, there will be very little impact on the land around the turbines and so the existing farming and agricultural research will continue uninterrupted with the potential to use data from the turbines for research.
Community Benefits
A market-leading community benefit package will be provided alongside any future development. This will consist of a community fund, receiving an annual payment. The fund is administered by representatives of the local community, to be spent in any way that the community sees fit.