Wind power workshop at Harper

Posted 31 March 2010

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Harper Adams University College was pleased to host a workshop dedicated to showing farmers and home owners how to implement small scale wind power.

The day, organised by Encraft Limited, was fully booked and explored how to go about using wind power, the costs, and the technology behind it all.

Graham Eastwick, Director of Encraft said: “This workshop is all about smaller scale turbines, not the megatwatt ones that are used in larger wind farms, but ones that can be used on farms and in gardens.

“You do need planning permission for most turbines and this can be difficult in some locations but there are changes coming through that might make it easier to put small turbines up.

“The cost all depends on the size. A small one can cost around £4000, going up to £50,000-£70,000 for a larger one.”

Aside from reducing the costs of producing electricity, turbines also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This works by substituting the use of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, with wind power.

Mr Eastwick added: “Sometimes people are concerned about the impact small turbines have on wildlife, but, there are few recorded examples of birds and wildlife being killed by them.

“Even so, we do have to be careful where we install them and consider the surrounding environment.”

For more information, contact Business Development Manager, Sustainable Technologies, Gaynor Orton: gorton@harper-adams.ac.uk