University weighs up 400ft wind turbines
Wind turbines more than 400ft high could be erected as part of the £500m expansion of York University.
A feasibility study is being carried out by the university to establish if it is viable to put two turbines on the 290-acre site which is being developed on the outskirts of York.
While the proposals are expected to provoke opposition from residents, a university spokesman stressed that no decision had been taken.
He also maintained that, if the £6m scheme does go ahead, every effort will be made to ensure the turbines do not impinge on residential areas, although the towering structures would be visible for several miles.
The university’s pro-vice-chancellor for estates, Elizabeth Heaps, said: “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.”
Plans for the turbines were revealed to residents and councillors at a meeting of a community forum established as part of the Heslington East expansion.
The development is expected to create up to 4,500 jobs and is seen as vital in driving forward the region’s economy.
The scheme is being heavily themed around the environment, and eco-friendly elements already in place include bio-mass boilers and rainwater harvesting systems.
The university is working with Partnerships for Renewables on the feasibility study.
If the two turbines are built, they will generate about 11GWh of green energy annually – the equivalent to the amount used by around 2,300 households.
By Paul Jeeves
1 July 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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