npower renewables has been given consent by the Government to construct and
operate Middlemoor Wind Farm in Northumberland.
Once operational, this wind farm will generate enough power to supply the
average needs of some 27,600 homes - more than enough to power the
equivalent of every home in both Alnwick and Berwick.
The decision by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
(DBERR) to grant consent follows a three-week public inquiry into the scheme
which concluded in December 2007.
Clare Wilson, Regional Development Manager, said, "We are delighted that
John Hutton and Malcolm Wicks have decided that we can construct and operate
the Middlemoor Wind Farm.
"Renewable energy technologies such as wind are essential to cutting UK
carbon emissions and this is an excellent step forward in the battle against
climate change, as well as to securing the UK's energy supply.
"Of course, we will continue to work with local communities, and are
committed to substantial efforts to protect and where possible enhance the
environment."
The site benefits from a number of features that allowed us to design an
environmentally-friendly wind farm:
- Open exposed farmland that benefits from good wind speeds.
- Sparsely populated area allowing a good separation from existing
properties.
- The turbines would coexist with existing agricultural practices to
support farm diversification.
- There are no national or regional landscape designations.
- Underground grid connection available.
The proposal is for a scheme of 18 turbines, with a combined maximum output
of between 54-75 megawatts.
Detailed environmental assessments of the site and the surrounding area were
undertaken over a 5 year period.
The wind farm will provide a number of local environmental benefits through
a habitat management plan and would provide local economic benefits
especially during construction. npower renewables will also be establishing
a community benefits package for the local community, education, energy
efficiency, and environmental projects.
Middlemoor Wind Farm
