October 12, 2011
England

Turbines hold the key to carbon cuts

Halifax Courier, www.halifaxcourier.co.uk 12 October 2011

The council might have to build a wind farm if it is to meet Government targets for cutting carbon emissions.

A combined heat and power plant in Halifax town centre could also be necessary, according to experts.

At least £130,000 is being spent on making North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax Pool and Todmorden Sport Centre more energy efficient, with the intention of recovering the costs over three years.

The idea of putting solar panels on 100 council buildings is being explored but could cost up to £6 million.

“The challenge is trying to reduce carbon emissions by more than 40 per cent by 2020,” according to the council’s development strategy manager, Phil Ratcliffe.

“Scenarios are being computer modelled and initial results show that to meet this ambitious target Calderdale may need to host a significant wind farm and fund a heat and power project in the centre of Halifax.”

The exact size and number of turbines is unclear and there is no indication of where they might be located.

In a report to Calderdale Council’s economy and environment panel, Mr Ratcliffe said the success already achieved in reducing carbon emissions had put Calderdale among the top 50 per cent of local authorities.

Councillor Barry Collins, economy and environment spokesman, said council officers were passionate about working with local people and businesses to promote carbon reduction.

He said a Carbon Club was being formed to encourage other firms in the area to take a lead.

Anthony Rae, of the Calderdale Sustainability Forum, told the panel that huge progress had been made but it was important that the council continued to build momentum to continually improve.

l The council has given Kelda Water Services planning approval for two 50-metre tall wind gauges near Gorpley Reservoir, Todmorden, which could pave the way for a wind farm application.

Mr R. Starky has applied for permission for three 10kw turbines at Royd Farm, Todmorden and Mr F. Hitchen wants two 11kw turbines at Crib farm, New Lane, Sowerby.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/12/turbines-hold-the-key-to-carbon-cuts/