ScottishPower Renewables and partner Eurus Energy are taking the concept of recycling to a whole new level by announcing plans to redevelop the oldest wind-farm in the UK and boost its efficiency.
The wind farm is in Powys, mid-Wales, and was the largest of its kind in Europe when it was first built in 1992. Now, a joint venture is seeking permission to redevelop Llandinam. If approved, the wind farm would become the tallest in the country.
The wind farm currently operates 103 turbines and generates 31 megawatts of clean green energy. If the redevelopment plan is approved, the wind farm would operate just 42 turbines but be capable of 96 megawatts of electricity, or in other words, enough power to sustain 53,000 households.
The unused turbines, under the development proposal, would be recycled and offered to other renewable energy projects in Europe and the UK. Replacing them would be turbines measuring 122 metres which generate electricity more efficiently than the old models.
The development plan was designed so that the impact of farm to animals and birds would be minimal, as would the visual impact of the development.
Project Director David Walker said, “This is an important milestone in the development of renewable energy in the UK. The redevelopment of Llandinam will see the replanting of one of this country’s first wind farms, which at the time was the largest in Europe.
“We aim to fully utilise the huge improvements in turbine technology over the last 15 years and realise the full potential of renewable energy from this excellent site - while reducing the number of turbines.
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