New milestone at wind farm in Ulley

Banks Renewables started work on the Penny Hill wind farm site in July, and has kept to schedule despite the bad summer weather.

For six-weeks from 18th September concrete is being delivered and poured into the foundations of the turbine locations – with one turbine site being completed every week.

The concrete is being supplied from Tarmac’s local depot at Aston-cum-Aughton, and around 50 deliveries will be required for each turbine location.

The timing of deliveries has been arranged to minimise disruption, and the company has been working with Rotherham Council, the project’s community liaison committee and residents to ensure everyone is aware when deliveries are scheduled to take place.

Lewis Stokes, Banks’ community relations coordinator for the Penny Hill scheme, said: “Every effort has been made to minimise the impact on local traffic of our vehicle movements over the next six weeks, and we’re grateful for the help we’ve had from our community contacts in spreading the word about the work that’s set to take place.”

“Construction work has progressed well so far, and we remain on schedule to see the turbines generating renewable energy in the first few months of next year.”

Around 30 jobs have been created through the construction of the scheme, with a number of contracts also being awarded to local firms for the supply of materials and sub-contract works, as well as catering and accommodation.

Once up and running the wind farm will produce enough energy to supply over 12,000 homes with electricity each year – or around ten per cent of all the homes in the Rotherham area – and will prevent around 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

Work is progressing at Penny Hill Wind Farm as the concrete bases for the wind turbines are installed.

 

A related benefits fund worth around £20,000 a year – £500,000 across the 25-year lifespan of the wind farm – will enable Banks to deliver a range of community and environmental improvements in partnership with local people.

Banks has already made a £50,000 investment to help establish a warm zone scheme across Rotherham, which is delivering cavity wall and loft insulation to reduce fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency.

For information on the delivery schedule call 0844 209 1515 or email pennyhill@banksgroup.co.uk