Banks Renewables wind farms power over 32,300 homes in a year

Data from the the Penny Hill, Hook Moor, Marr and Hazlehead Wind Farms reveal the energy security benefits of renewable energy projects as Banks Renewables looks to expand its energy offering.

The four Yorkshire wind farms owned and operated by renewable energy firm Banks Renewables generated enough electricity in the company’s last financial year to meet the annual electricity needs of more 32,300 homes.

The Penny Hill wind farm near Sheffield, the Hook Moor scheme to the East of Leeds, the Marr wind farm to the west of Doncaster and the Hazlehead wind farm near Barnsley generated just over 100,000 MWh of electricity between them over the 12 months to the end of September.

And by doing so, they displaced the equivalent annual carbon dioxide emissions for almost 9,000 petrol cars from the electricity supply network.

The six-turbine Penny Hill wind farm led the way by generating more than 37,500 MWh over the 12 months, with the five-turbine Hook Moor scheme producing over 27,000 MWh during the same period. The four-turbine Marr and three-turbine Hazlehead wind farms generated over 18,100 MWh and 17,700 MWh of green electricity respectively.

The four schemes also delivered combined revenues of over £53,000 during the year for their respective community benefits funds, which provide financial support for local projects being undertaken by groups and good causes in the communities surrounding them.

Banks Renewables is currently looking to deploy further renewable energy technologies at a number of new sites across Scotland and the north of England, and recently announced plans for a groundbreaking new green energy hub at the former Thorpe Marsh power station site near Doncaster.

It is also currently applying for permission to extend the lifespan of each of its four onshore wind farms in Yorkshire by 15 years, from their original 25 years up to 40 years’ duration.

Managing director Richard Dunkley says: “Our four Yorkshire onshore wind farms, along with all our other schemes across the UK, are continuing to operate efficiently and are helping to generate more of the energy that we all use in our homes, school, hospitals and businesses from renewable means.

“Alongside the environmental and energy security benefits they’re delivering, our wind farms also make a long-term contribution to the well-being of the communities in which they’re located by helping to enhance the facilities and support available to local people and organisations.

“At a time when finding funding for grass roots projects can be especially challenging, this direct community contribution is more important than ever before and we are committed to maintaining it for the long-term.

“Utilising the widest possible range of renewable energy generation technologies will help the UK to achieve its climate change targets and decarbonise its power supply as quickly as possible, and we are continuing to explore a range of new technologies and opportunities right across the UK that will further enhance our contribution to achieving these goals.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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