Wind Power

Harnessing wind as a renewable energy source involves converting the power within a moving air mass (wind) into rotating shaft power that in turn generates electricity. Modern wind turbines contain rotors fitted with aerodynamic blades, which utilise lift forces caused by the wind on the blades.

In and around a National Park, there are siting and planning considerations to also take into account. Wind speed increases with height so it is best to have the turbine high on a mast or tower. Generally speaking the ideal siting is a smooth-top hill with a flat, clear exposure, free from excessive turbulence and obstructions such as large trees, houses or other buildings.

However, other areas may have a sufficient wind resource to make an installation worthwhile. In a protected area, wind turbines have a visual impact on the landscape; therefore small-scale wind power is often the more desirable, and appropriate, way of harnessing the potential.

Stand-alone systems are often used as a source of power in remote locations where conventional methods of supply are expensive or impractical, for example where new power lines would be required. The wind turbines are generally connected to batteries, which are charged when spare energy is produced and provide power when needed, for instance during periods of low wind speeds. It is common to combine this with a diesel generator for use when additional power is required. A wind turbine can be connected to the local electricity grid and export any excess electricity produced to the grid, with the agreement of the network operator and an electricity supplier.

In periods of high wind, turbines may produce more power than is needed which allows excess electricity to be exported back to the grid. Conversely, when domestic demand is high extra electricity can be purchased from the grid through an electricity supply company.

Wind turbines have proved to be very reliable and can have a design life of 25 years or more. Costs vary due to a range of factors such as size of turbine, the height of tower, length of cabling required and geographic location. A system to provide all the electricity for a medium sized detached house might cost in the region of £10,000-£20,000.

Funding is required to ascertain the best sites for wind generation, which fully meet the requirements of the Local Development Framework, are cost-effective, and are the most suitable form of renewable energy.

Research into new technologies, like the RidgeBlade design, is encouraging, and should be kept under consideration as wind turbines begin to fulfil their potential over the coming years.

Small Scale Wind Power Fact Sheet from the Energy Saving Trust (PDF - 200KB)

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External Link

• Wind Turbines at the Energy Saving Trust