Benefits
The Low Spinney Windfarm is expected to generate around 7,855,000 kwh per annum per turbine ( based on a typical large 3 MW wind turbine with a capacity factor of 30% ). This is enough to meet the average electrical demand for over 1,500 homes*.
This will make a contribution to national and regional targets for the provision of renewable electricity generation.
It will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generating industry by harnessing wind as an alternative to the burning of fossil fuels, in line with the UK Government's national energy goals.
It will contribute to the UK Government's goal of diversifying the supply of energy and reducing energy imports in order to gain greater supply security.
By reducing world carbon dioxide emissions it will directly contribute to reducing the extent and rate of global climate change.
It will strengthen the renewable energy industry and the associated employment opportunities in the UK which has been estimated to provide up to 35,000 jobs by 2020 (DTI, 2004).
There will also be direct and indirect economic benefits for the local community during the construction phase of the project.
* Based on average household electricity of 4.7 MWh as recommended by the British Wind Energy Association.
