Partner Article

Wilton Centre looks to a greener future

ONE of the region’s science and business parks is looking into the possibility of producing clean, green renewable energy at its site.

The Wilton Centre located between Middlesbrough and Redcar has teamed up with on-site wind energy company Wind Direct, which specialises in the installation of wind turbines on commercial and industrial sites.

The two are looking into the possibility of installing wind turbines in its grounds which will enable the centre and its tenants to reduce their carbon footprint, whilst protecting against volatile energy prices.

In order to establish the viability of the site, Wind Direct must first apply for planning permission to erect a temporary 70 metre high met mast to collect data over the next two years.

Nicola Mortimer, Wind Direct’s Head of Development, explained that wind speed and quality were vital to all wind development projects so it was important that they were able to make accurate predictions, by carefully measuring the wind speed on The Wilton Centre site.

She said: “Once we have done this we will be in a much better position to determine whether the centre could be generating clean, green energy on site for use by both the company and its tenants.”

The renewable energy produced by Wind Direct wind turbines is cheaper than brown electricity and its installation will enable the 60 companies based at the 75 acre park to fix the cost of their electricity for up to ten years.

Dr Richard Short, Wilton Centre Facility Management’s (WCFM) Engineering Manager, said: “ We are constantly striving to improve energy efficiency at the centre and reduce our carbon footprint so investigating the possibility of generating our own electricity using wind power is a natural step,“ he continued.

“The Wind Direct approach allows us to provide the centre and our tenants with clean, green electricity without generating any development costs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .