Benefits
‘Wind is an indigenous, safe, clean and plentiful source of energy. Modern wind turbines are one of the most cost effective and advanced renewable generation technologies available.'
The UK is currently facing three major challenges to our electricity supply;
Environmental - Electricity generated from fossil fuels accounts for 33% of the UK's carbon emissions*. This is widely accepted that this is a major cause of climate change.
Security of Supply - As a result of the UK's supplies of fossil fuels such as North Sea oil and gas depleting, we are increasingly reliant on imports.
Cost- As global demand for fossil fuels increase, so too will the price. This results in higher costs of electricity for the consumer.'
*Dept. Of Energy and Climate Change: Energy Trends March 2009- Special Feature: Carbon Dioxide Emissions Table 1- CO2 Emissions by Source
Environmental and Economical Benefits
National and Regional Targets - This wind farm will make a contribution to national and regional targets for the provision of renewable electricity generation.
Diversifying Energy Supply - It will contribute to the UK government goal of diversifying the supply of energy and reducing energy imports in order to gain supply security.
Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions - By reducing world carbon dioxide emissions it will directly contribute to reducing the extent and rate of global climate change.
It will strengthen the renewable energy industry and the associated employment opportunities in the UK which the Government hopes will provide 1.2 million jobs by 2020 (DECC, 2009). There will also be direct and indirect economic benefits for the local community during the construction phase of the project.
Community Benefits
Broadview proposes to contribute £2,000 per MW installed capacity per annum to a community benefit fund. This could be used to improve local facilities through working with existing community groups, education, and also to improve energy efficiency and implement micro renewable generation schemes.
We are keen to hear your ideas regarding the community benefit fund. Please provide your feedback by registering here.
The Westnewton Wind Farm is expected to generate approximately 16,440 Mwh of safe, clean renewable energy every year for 25 years. This is equivalent to the annual needs of up to 3,400 homes.
(Based on manufacturer wind turbine power curves for a range of wind turbines between 2 - 3 MW and the estimated wind speed of 67m agl based on BERR data for the site location. The average UK household electricity consumption is assumed to be 4,700kWh - BWEA recommended guidelines).
