More Giant Turbines as Energy Drive Goes On
This is Bristol|John Le Couteur |February 19, 2006
A SECOND wind farm of giant turbines could be built in South Gloucestershire as the drive for renewable energy sources gathers momentum. Spanish-owned Gamesa Energy is seeking planning consent to build a test turbine at Walning Farm, at Olveston, to check the potential of the site for generating electricity.
A SECOND wind farm of giant turbines could be built in South Gloucestershire as the drive for renewable energy sources gathers momentum. Spanish-owned Gamesa Energy is seeking planning consent to build a test turbine at Walning Farm, at Olveston, to check the potential of the site for generating electricity.
Last month Stroud-based Ecotricity revealed it was pre- paring to submit plans to South Gloucestershire Council for six 230ft turbines to power 9,000 homes.
These two could be just the beginning for more wind turbines towering over the South Gloucestershire countryside after the Government said it wanted 10 per cent of the UK's power generated by renewable sources.
At present it is less than four per cent.
The Severn Estuary acts as a funnel for the prevailing westerly winds, which sweep up the estuary.
Steve Allen, Newport-based project manager …
Last month Stroud-based Ecotricity revealed it was pre- paring to submit plans to South Gloucestershire Council for six 230ft turbines to power 9,000 homes.
These two could be just the beginning for more wind turbines towering over the South Gloucestershire countryside after the Government said it wanted 10 per cent of the UK's power generated by renewable sources.
At present it is less than four per cent.
The Severn Estuary acts as a funnel for the prevailing westerly winds, which sweep up the estuary.
Steve Allen, Newport-based project manager for Gamesa, said: "Whether we submit an application is dependent on the speed and direction of the wind, layout and the capacity of wind turbines.
"The reason we are looking at this location is because it is by the motorway and there are already a number of high voltage pylons already in existence.
"This site has been chosen as a potential renewable energy park due to its good anticipated wind source."
Gamesa already operates a number of wind farms across Europe, Australia and south and north America and manufactures wind turbines.
A number of farmers in South Gloucestershire are being approached by alternative energy companies because it will provide another form of income as agriculture continues to decline.
North Avon MP Steve Webb recently announced the results of a survey of about 1,500 homes which showed 75 per cent of people were in favour of renewable energy.
He said he was in favour of wind farms provided they were suitably sited and were not intrusive in the countryside.