News and Events

Councillors back another south west wind farm

The news that a wind farm has been approved at Bristol Sewage Treatment Works in Avonmouth has been welcomed by Regen SW, the south west sustainable energy agency as a boost for green energy and for south west jobs.

"This is very encouraging news," said Cheryl Hiles, head of programmes at Regen SW, "and another positive step forward in the bid to source more of the region's energy from clean, green technologies such as wind power."

The new wind farm, which will be located at next to the M49 motorway one kilometer northwest of Lawrence Weston, will have a capacity of 12 MW, with each turbine generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 6,000 households.

"On an individual-scheme level this is great news," added Cheryl, "but on a regional scale it is even more significant, as we are seeing support for the introduction of wind farms growing. Over recent years planning permission has been a significant barrier to moving to renewable energy in the region, with many schemes refused by local councils. This, however, is the fourth approval of a south west wind farm by local councillors in just 10 months, which indicates they are recognising the importance of large-capacity schemes.

Other recent wind farm approvals in the south west include another by Bristol City Council, one by Torridge District Council and one by Kerrier District Council.

The region needs to source at least 15 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2020. With its natural resources, the south west is in a strong position to achieve the target, but approval of both large scale wind farms, like the one at Avonmouth, and smaller scale installations will be essential if this is to happen.

A recent UK government report showed that ‘green' jobs could be at the heart of the south west economy, but with huge completion for this market across the world, approval of schemes such as this one at Avonmouth is vital.

For more information on exactly how the south west can go about achieving its 2020 targets visit: www.regensw.co.uk/road-to-2020.

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Notes to editors

About Regen SW

Regen SW, which receives its core funding from the South West of England Regional Development Agency, is the sustainable energy agency for South West England. It was previously the region's renewable energy agency, and it now has an extended remit to include energy efficiency.

Regen SW's purpose is to speed up the transition to a low carbon economy in the South West England. It works to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy, champion energy efficiency initiatives and to grow the region's sustainable energy businesses.

The South West RDA has invested more than £3.3 million of funding to Regen SW since 2002.

About the South West RDA

The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It works in partnership with public, private and social purpose organisations to drive up the region's productivity by giving people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving infrastructure, regenerating places, and promoting the strengths of the region. For more information see www.southwestrda.org.uk

For further information