reeves hill windfarm
Power
Wind power has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any generating technology with nearly all the emissions occurring during the manufacturing and construction phases and arising from the production of steel for the tower, concrete for the foundations and epoxy/fibreglass for the rotor blades . Carbon footprints are calculated using a method called life cycle assessment (LCA). This method is used to analyse the cumulative environmental impacts of a process or product through all the stages of its life. It takes into account energy inputs and emission outputs throughout the whole production chain from exploration and extraction of raw materials to processing, transport and final construction and use. The LCA method is internationally accredited by ISO 14000 standards. According to The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (October 2006, Postnote Number 268);
"Conventional coal combustion systems result in emissions in the order of 1,000gCO2eq/kWh."
"Current gas powered electricity generation has a carbon footprint around 500gCO2eq/kWh."
"The carbon footprint of onshore wind is around 4.64gCO2eq/kWh."
The wind farm will not only help towards national and regional targets for the generation of renewable energy, but will also help reduce CO2 emissions from the electricity generating industry by using wind instead of burning fossil fuels.
Carbon displacement
The energy produced by the windfarm will replace generation of electricity from the burning of fossil fuels. As it is not known which type of generation plant (e.g. gas or coal) will be replaced, it is difficult to provide an exact figure. However, we are advised that a figure of 370 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour of electricity generated should be used as a minimum, and 876 grams per kilowatt hour as a maximum.*
On this basis, and assuming a capacity factor of 0.3, and a planning consent for 2.3 mw turbines, the four turbines at Reeves Hill would save up to, between 8,945 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum (based on displacement of gas fired generation plant) and 21,179 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum (based on displacement of coal fired generation plant).
*The Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2007-Table 5c.
Clean energy production
Based on a capacity factor of 0.3**, Reeves Hill windfarm would produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to, from 5,144 to 7326 homes*.
*Average domestic electricity consumption; According to the DBERR's Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2006, the average domestic household uses 4,700 KWh of electricity annually. This project would therefore supply the equivalent of 5,144 houses on that basis. An Ofgem report dated 4.7.07 puts the annual domestic consumption per household at 3,300 KWh. On that basis, this project would supply 7,326 homes, assuming a capacity factor of 0.3.**
** The capacity factor of .3 is a standard number we use in our preliminary assesment and will be subject to verification after our energy studies are complete and the final turbine choice is made.
