PfR opens its first wind development at Kent prison
The wind energy developer Partnerships for Renewables (PfR), founded by the Carbon Trust in 2007*, last week unveiled its first completed turbine installation at HMP Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, with a formal opening by local MP, Gordon Henderson.
The two-turbine, 4.6MW development is the result of a collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Sheppey Prisons Cluster. The turbines provide the MoJ a rent based on a percentage from sale of the electricity. This saves money for the public purse, creates clean energy on public land and helps the MoJ to improve its sustainability credentials.
'One of the responsibilities of my role as Governor is to find ways to reduce the overheads of the prison and therefore provide better value for the taxpayer', explained Sarah Coccia, Governor of the Sheppey Prison Cluster.
'The development of the wind energy park has been fascinating to both watch and be part of. I am very proud to be able to view these turbines, now built, from my office window!'
PfR also hopes, subject to a public sector procurement process, to operate a future private wire so that the prison can directly benefit from the electricity generated by the turbines, cutting operating costs and further improving the prison's carbon footprint.
The turbines were formally switched on by Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, at a launch event attended by a range of local stakeholders, including parish and district councillors, and representatives of the various consultees and professionals who have been involved with the project, as well as the company's shareholders and staff.
'I am a big supporter of renewable energy, not only from an environmental perspective, but because I believe it is vital to long term energy security in our country. Despite what the critics would have us believe, wind can become a cheap and clean energy source', commented Gordon Henderson MP.
'Of course, where wind turbines are located is important. I believe that on balance these two turbines are in an acceptable location which is why I am delighted to officially switch them on.'
Extensive community engagement has been a crucial factor in the successful commissioning of the turbines. A contribution of over £10,000 a year will be made to a community benefit fund to assist projects in the local area. Local parish councillors, stakeholder groups, and individual residents are invited to take part in the decisions on the allocation of the fund, a process entirely independent of the developer.
Stephen Ainger, CEO of Partnerships for Renewables commented: 'I am delighted that we have reached the milestone of our first development project to generate power. Standford Hill sets us on the way to achieving our target portfolio of 460MW of onshore wind generating capacity, the majority of which will be delivered in partnership with public bodies.
'This is a big step for our company and its partners, and I hope it is a development that both the Ministry of Justice and the Isle of Sheppey can feel proud of.'
Onshore wind is recognised as one of the least costly and most easily delivered forms of renewable energy. The UK enjoys the greatest wind resource in Europe and already has the largest portfolio of installed offshore capacity in the world. Since 2008, wind energy has more than doubled its contribution to the UK energy supply.
*Originally wholly owned by the Carbon Trust, Partnerships for Renewables now also benefits from significant investments by major international private infrastructure funds. Carbon Trust Enterprises retains a one third ownership, with the HSBC Environmental Infrastructure Fund (now InfraRed) taking a large equity stake in 2008, followed by OPTrust Private Markets Group (the Canadian Ontario State pension fund) in 2010.
-
Most popular related searches
Customer comments
No comments were found for PfR opens its first wind development at Kent prison. Be the first to comment!