Wind farm plans mooted for Banbury  

Credit:  Banbury Guardian, www.banburyguardian.co.uk 19 September 2011 ~~

A site near Banbury could be transformed into a wind farm used to generate clean electricity if new proposals get the go ahead.

Renewable energy developer Regeneco is exploring the possibility of building a small wind farm adjacent to the M40 between Shotteswell and Hanwell to the north of Banbury.

A statement from the company said: “The project is at a very early stage and we are assessing the suitability of the site.

“Only once the viability of the site has been established would an initial scheme be proposed. This is not likely to happen until 2013 once on-site wind monitoring has been completed.

“The site has the potential to accommodate a small wind farm of between five and eight turbines.

“Each would have a maximum tip height of 130m and an installed capacity of 2-2.5MW, totalling around 10-20MW of green energy.”

Regeneco has recently submitted a Scoping request to Cherwell District Council to obtain feedback on the content that would be required for an environmental impact assessment for the site.

An application for a meteorological mast has also been submitted.

Tom Porter, project developer for Regeneco, said: “Developing a wind farm here would make a significant contribution towards the generation of renewable energy in the region and could generate employment opportunities for local firms during the construction period.

“We would also set up a Community Benefit Fund to spend on local projects.”

Onshore wind farms are currently the most cost effective method of generating clean electricity.

Regeneco is the specialist renewable energy arm of the Galliford Try Group. It is a national business which delivers renewable energy and low carbon solutions.

To view details of the wind farm go to the project website at www.ironstonewindfarm.co.uk