Wind Energy Direct’s first UK wind turbine project is now operating in Northumberland.
The project is a one turbine scheme at the former Lynemouth Colliery site next to Lynemouth Power Station. The start of wind generation at the site is the first part of a wider regeneration scheme for the colliery site which closed in 2005.
The turbine is an Enercon E82, with a generation capacity of 2.3MW, a hub height 85m and a tip height of 126m. Construction of the scheme began in October 2012 on land owned by Harworth Estates, an independent property company that owns most of the land formerly used by UK Coal Mining Ltd.
The scheme consists of a single turbine, substation, access tracks, entrance alterations and landscaping enhancements. There is planning on the adjoining land for a mixed use development including employment and residential opportunities.
Wind Energy Direct (WED Renewables) Managing Director Dominic Costello said: “This is our first project in the UK to go live and represents a major step forward in building on our excellent track record in Ireland. Our relationship with Harworth Estates is an excellent example of co-operation of our two organisations to optimise the site’s potential.”
The power station was built in 1972 to power a nearby aluminium smelter plant. The coal handling store shut after the power station used coal delivered directly by the railway station.
Eddie Peat, Natural Resources Director at Harworth Estates, said: “We looked at various options for the site and are pleased that this project has opened so quickly. This is the first phase of our energy based redevelopment of the site which has so far seen us move from historic coal to modern wind power. We are delighted that the site is still producing energy for the UK and wish Wind Energy Direct every success with their future projects.”
Wind Energy Direct is a renewable energy company was founded in Ireland in 2006 and now has offices in Limerick, Edinburgh and Durham. It specialises in niche supplier projects assisting businesses to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.
Wind Energy Direct own and operate the turbines and supply the energy directly to the landowner on site or via a power purchase agreement. The company operates sites in Ireland and currently has several planning application pending approval at sites across the UK.