Wind farm power claims questioned
Campaigners objecting to a plans for a 21 wind turbine farm in Cheshire have rejected claims it will provide power for up to 30,000 homes.
Peel Energy wants to build the wind farm on Marsh Lane in Frodsham between the M56 and the Mersey Estuary.
Tony Hinkins, of Frodsham Town Council, disputed the company’s predictions over the amount of energy generated especially when there was no wind.
A spokesman for the company said the number was not an exaggeration.
Conventional power station
Richard Dibley, Peel Energy’s senior development manager, said: “If the wind farm operates at full capacity it will generate far more than for 30,000 homes.
“It’s a fairly conservative estimate for this wind farm and I would point out that the energy will go not just to homes but industry too, wherever the electricity is required on the grid.”
Mr Hinkins said the turbines would only generate a quarter of what was suggested by Peel Energy and there would still be a need for a conventional power station.
Details of the proposals have been put on display in Frodsham, Helsby and Elton.
The company already operates a wind farm at Scout Moor in Rossendale where construction proved to be controversial.
If approved, the scheme would also meet more than a quarter of Cheshire’s renewable energy target for 2020 and and plans were expected to be submitted to the government in 2010, the company said.
The proposals form part of Peel Energy’s vision to develop the mouth of the River Mersey into a “renewables hub” and sits alongside plans to harness tidal power from the river.
BBC News
25 November 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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