Wiltshire Community Wind Energy

Why wind energy makes sense

Why Wind?

The climate is changing. Globally and locally the changes will be important:

• Increasing temperatures

• Increasing sea levels

• More erratic and extreme rainfall - leading to droughts and floods

• Loss of habitats and species

• Increased diseases

Locally the impacts could (for example):

• Increase flood risks for communities such as Bradford-on-Avon and Malmesbury

• Cause a reduction in Salmon on the River Avon through Salisbury

• Cause dramatic changes to the habitats and species of Salisbury Plain and rivers and wetland areas

• Increase the risk of heat stroke, particularly to elderly

We can reduce our impact on the climate by using less energy and resources and using renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.

Local Wiltshire wind energy projects can make a difference by powering the equivalent of thousands of homes across the county.

Wind Farms - Technology

We don't want to prejudge what type of wind farm is most suitable -because it depends on the location. Most wind turbines are constructed from three blades connected to a hub (together called the rotor) and then a electrical generator. The rotor is mounted at the top of a tower. It is then just an issue of scale. Small turbines may have a 10m high tower with a 3-3.5m diameter rotor (i.e. each blade about 1.5m long). These may be appropriate for schools or farms. A small wind turbine may be able to provide the electrical energy required for the equivalent of 1 house. Slightly larger turbines may provide a significant proportion of a school's requirement.

Larger wind turbines may have 50m towers and 60m diameter rotors (i.e. 30m long blades). Some of the largest onshore wind turbines may have a 75m tower and 90m diameter rotors. Depending on location and the available wind a large wind turbine may be able to provide upwards of the equivalent of 600 house with electricity. It is likely that we will be looking at small clusters (1-5) of these types of turbines

There are also micro building mounted wind turbines - but there is considerable doubt about how effective these are.

We would expect that the wind turbine would be connected to the electricity grid. Much more information here and on our links page

One of the most useful reports on Wind Power can be found at the Sustainable Development Commission. For convenience it is available directly from here