June 24, 2008
England
England
Wind turbines could be installed at country parks or county attractions.
The county council said it is to consider generating some of its own electricity to help hit Government targets.
Officers are to spend the next three years looking at how to cut carbon emissions at all council sites by eight per cent.
At the same time, the authority will consider whether the same offices, country parks and other land assets could be suitable for renewable energy production.
No sites have been identified, however, some parks and attractions will be considered, including Snibston Discovery Park.
Officers believe it could lend itself to new energy production because of its history as a coal mine and now a museum.
A proposal for a 50ft turbine on the site was scrapped a decade ago.
Lead officer Peter Williams said the council has to change the way it does things.
He said: “We want to look at energy reduction first and foremost, then efficiencies, and then after that we will consider ways of producing our own electricity.
“I would like to see renewable energy in this mix.
“The threat of climate change means we have to change the way we do things.
“With Snibston, there is no plan in place but new energy production there could help bring that site’s story up to date.”
Councillor Ernie White, cabinet member for country parks, said: “If we are serious about reducing carbon then we have to look at all alternatives. There are certainly no proposals of any nature at the moment.”
County Hall owns many of Leicestershire’s busiest attractions and beauty spots, including Watermead Park, Beacon Hill Country Park, Market Bosworth Country Park, Bosworth Battlefield, and Snibston Discovery Park.
Wind turbines are the likeliest option as they already have two at Beacon Hill to power toilet blocks.
Wind turbines could also be built on parks and golf courses in the city, it was revealed last month.
Leicester City Council has been looking at potential sites for the windmills, which could be between 250ft and 450ft high.
So far, officers have identified Beaumont Park, Castle Hill Park, Humberstone Heights golf course, Western Park, Ashton Green and land near Western Park golf course as suitable areas.
County Hall has already said its preferred option to cope with waste is an incinerator which burns rubbish, a process which then can produce electricity, and heat water for local businesses or homes. The Government wants 10 per cent of all electricity to be from renewable sources by 2010, and councils have been asked to help.
By Martin Robinson
Political Reporter
24 June 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/06/24/turbines-could-go-up-in-our-country-parks/