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University of Reading and Partnerships for Renewables outline progress of wind turbine feasibility work – University of Reading

The University of Reading and Partnerships for Renewables have confirmed that the latest results of study work, investigating the feasibility of siting wind turbines at Rushy Mead, have proved positive. The studies which looked into issues such as ground conditions, access and noise levels have given Partnerships for Renewables the confidence to submit a planning application for a temporary wind monitoring mast on the site adjacent to the M4 between Junctions 10 and 11.

While the results of the studies suggest that Rushy Mead is a good location for wind turbines the maximum number of wind turbines, being considered has now reduced from six to five. The partners are committed to designing a wind turbine development that is appropriate for the location and the decision to scale down the plans was made after results of study work by British Aerospace showed that a six turbine design could have an impact on the radar at Heathrow Airport.

The monitoring mast will provide valuable on-site wind data to supplement the information already gathered from the met office database. By gaining a deeper understanding of the local wind regime Partnerships for Renewables will be able to select the optimum turbine for the site from the range available on the market and accurately predict the amount of energy likely to be generated by the development.

Tony Duffin, from Partnerships for Renewables, said: "From day one we have said that we will only submit a planning application if we can design a wind turbine development that is appropriate for the location. The results of study work carried out so far continues to suggest that Rushy Mead is a good location to site wind turbines although we have found that the responsible maximum number of wind turbines should now be set at five rather than six.

"The decision to submit a planning application for a monitoring mast illustrates our commitment to gaining a detailed understanding of the local environment before progressing to a planning application. The wind data gathered will be used in conjunction with the results of other detailed environmental work to help us design the optimum wind turbine layout.

"We remain committed to fully engaging with the local community and we are in the early stage of preparing for some consultation events in the local area. The dates and locations of these events will be agreed with the local Parish Councils and announced in the near future."

ENDS

Further information from Tom Brinicombe at Partnerships for Renewables on 07814 169380.

Notes to Editors :

Website - www.rushy-mead.co.uk

Partnerships for Renewables

Public sector bodies own around 10% of the land in the UK including tens of thousands of buildings and over one million hectares of land. Despite this, only a very small percentage is currently being used to provide our homes and businesses with a cleaner, greener form of energy.

Partnerships for Renewables was set up by Carbon Trust Enterprises in 2006 to work in partnership with the public sector to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects. By providing a tailored one stop shop for the development of renewable energy projects, and covering the development costs associated with them, Partnerships for Renewables provides a low-risk way for public sector bodies to access the economic and environmental benefits associated with renewable energy development and contribute towards the fight against climate change.

In March 2008 the Carbon Trust and HSBC announced a landmark deal which saw HSBC Environmental Infrastructure Fund make a substantial investment in Partnerships for Renewables. HSBC Environmental Infrastructure Fund committed up to £18 million to acquire 49% of PfR and provide development funding, as well as making a £30 million revolving construction capital facility available to fund an estimated £100 million of equity required to build out renewable energy projects.

Energy Facts

The results of studies so far suggest that the Rushy Mead site has the potential to host up to five wind turbines. A project of this size would generate approximately 22 GWh of green energy per year. This is equivalent to the amount of energy used annually by more than 4,600 average households and a saving of more than 9,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The Monitoring Mast

A planning application has been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council to erect a temporary monitoring mast on the Rushy Mead site adjacent to the M4 between Junctions 10 and 11. The monitoring mast would be up to 80 metres high and is expected to be in place for two years.

Indicative key dates for the wind turbine scheme

• July – November 2008 - Further assessment of suitability of site: Aviation surveys, bird surveys, monitoring mast application etc

• Submission of Request for a Scoping Opinion: Autumn 2008 (provides an overview of the detailed environmental work we intend to carryout to ensure that wind turbines are appropriate for the site. Interested parties will be invited to contribute towards the study methodology)

• Detailed Environmental Studies: Winter 2008 – Autumn 2009

• Planning Application Submitted: If results of the environmental work prove positive a planning application could be submitted in Autumn 2009.

• Operational: Potentially Summer 2011