Ecotricity sets its sights on Somerset as green power source

28th February 2003

Ecotricity, the UK's first green electricity company is looking to Somerset to expand the development of its wind farms. Ecotricity is planning to build two wind turbines near Chewton Mendip in Somerset. If the project gets the go ahead it will power over 3,500 local homes - 8.7% of the Mendip district with clean green electricity and will make a significant contribution to the regions' renewable energy targets.

The proposed wind turbines with a hub height of 67 metres, will be located on Shooters Bottom Farm approximately 2.5kms south of Chewton Mendip.

Public Open Day being held on 12 March in Wells

Prior to submitting a planning application to build the wind parks, Ecotricity is hosting an 'Open Day' to consult with local people about the proposed development. The Shooters Bottom plans will be on display on Wednesday 12th March in Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells from 10am to 8pm. Representatives from Ecotricity will be on hand to answer any questions from the public and the Open Day will include photo montages, site details and information on wind energy.

Dale Vince, managing director of Ecotricity comments, "We are looking forward to building our first Somerset wind farm and offering local people the opportunity to switch to green electricity. Everyone can now do their bit to fight climate change by switching to a clean energy source and reducing our reliance on conventional polluting electricity. I hope the project will raise awareness of the environmental benefits of renewable energy - this development alone will prevent the emission of over 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Accepting responsibility for the way we choose to live is an important step towards achieving sustainable community living.

"Combating climate change is a key priority for the Government as indicated in last week's Energy White Paper. This development will be a significant boost in tackling climate change by providing renewable electricity and thereby reducing the reliance on electricity produced from non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels."

Apart from the obvious advantages of receiving clean green electricity, the local community will also benefits from 20% of the overall capital costs for the project - an estimated £500,000 - through taking on local contractors and suppliers for a majority of the building work including access roads and turbine foundations.

The development will also provide sufficient electricity for the annual requirements of 40% of the forecast additional 8,950 homes to be built in Mendip by 2011 (a). In addition the wind farm could also act as an educational resource, demonstrating to the local population and to visitors the benefits and technical workings of modern, state of the art wind technology.

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