This is fourth in the series of interviews with Cornwall Light and Power about Cheverton Down. You might be interested in the first, second, and third parts.
As before, here are some brief notes of what’s covered in this section, but it’s best to listen to the recording (at the bottom of the page).
We look at the energy used to create the wind turbines, including where each of the components are made.
British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) figures point to there being a 3-6 months period for the energy payback – how long it takes for the energy that is used to create the turbine.
The turbines should operate for 25-30 years. After this time, when it’s passed it’s useful life, most of the items can be recycled.
The steel towers are probably going to be manufactured in Campbeltown in Scotland (Vestas currently have a plant there, although it looks like they’re putting it up for sale – here’s their 2008 environmental statement)
The generator should probably come from Denmark, but this is dependent on Vestas.
A full transport and access study has been carried out for the proposed Cheverton Down site.
There isn’t currently a known level of CO2 for the creation of the creation of Cheverton Down turbines.
Connecting the Cheverton Down site to the Grid.
There’s a control building that collects the power from the turbines, probably down with the other farm buildings. From there it becomes the responsibility of the local distribution network operator, Scottish and Southern (!)
An underground cable runs along Gunville road to the 33Kv (?) line at Forrest Road.
“The power generated will be used for local homes and businesses. It’s very unlikely that the power will go off the Island.” If there is a power demand from the Island, it will be used on the Island. [audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/Cheverton-Down-Cornwall-Light-and-Power-part-four.mp3]
image: jemsweb
