Wind power debate planned
The possible role of wind power in meeting Bath's energy needs will be discussed at a public meeting next month.
The debate has been called by the BetterBath initiative as planners consider a planning application for a 60ft wind turbine on the edge of the city.
The BetterBath Forum - a project set up by retired civil servants Henry and Jane Brown to encourage discussion of the issues facing the city - will meet on Monday March 1 at St Michael's Church in Broad Street.
An opening presentation by Martin Holley from the Bristol-based Centre for Sustainable Energy charity will explain the key technical issues, opportunities and constraints associated with wind power.
Bath Preservation Trust chief executive Caroline Kay will then speak on the impact of wind turbines on the city's World Heritage Site and landscape setting.
The discussion will then be thrown open so that points can be raised from the floor.
The Browns say issues might include the suitability of the Bath area for wind energy generation, the relative merits of large scale turbines versus smaller ones, the energy costs and benefits of turbines, their potential impact on the built and natural environment, and the role of the planning system.
They say: "The meeting is not about the science of climate change. It will not consider in detail other types of renewable energy, although participants may wish to comment on the relative merits of wind power versus other forms of renewable energy. The intention is to improve our understanding of wind energy and the contribution it might make towards reducing Bath's carbon footprint."
The event will be chaired by property developer Trevor Osborne, and doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, with the meeting finishing at around 8.15pm.
B&NES Council is currently considering plans by retired businessman Paul Strasburger for a turbine at his Lansdown farm which would supply him with energy for his home.
He has support from some influential people including explorer David Hempleman-Adams, architect Peter Clegg and businessman Michael Edge.
His plan is also backed by the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Board, which says it wants to encourage small-scale turbine developments.
But the application is opposed by the preservation trust and by Charlcombe and Swainswick parish councils.
8 Comments
by Bill W, Timsbury
Sunday, February 14 2010, 10:47AM
“Pelton Wheel Turbine .. this device is used when the water head is low. Also have a look at designs for Mill races, they too are low head of water devices that appropriate gearing can be used to increase rotational speeds for 50hz A/C turbines.”
by Dave, Larkhall
Saturday, February 13 2010, 10:28AM
“Don't know the answer Dave F. That's why it needs an expert look at. After all water wheels drove masses of machinery in factories of the past.”
by Dave F., (the real) Walcot
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 3:47PM
“Am I the only one sick of the threat to the World Heritage site being rolled out *every* time someone suggests a new scheme? It was even used to initially criticize
the Bladud Pigs.
This is from section 1.1.3 of th WH Management Plan:
"The World Heritage Site, as in all periods throughout its long development, is home to a living community. The city is a blend of history and modern life, continually changing, growing and adapting to modern requirements."
If they turbines were to be built there's a fair chance they'd be built outside of the heritage boundary.
I'm no expert, but don't hydro-electric turbines need a bit of a higher head of water than the river supplies? I think the water would just back-up & flood.”
by chris dunn, midsomer norton
Monday, February 08 2010, 11:10PM
“If wind turbines affect the world heritage status. Does not the use of 'horse carriages' affect it too. I think most people in the world would marvel at the forward thinking council if these could be seen from the city. However as normal with our local council if only one person complains the whole project is off. Apart form the Spa project.”
by Dave, Larkhall
Monday, February 08 2010, 6:08PM
“There are nine large weirs between the Batheaston toll bridge and the Netham in Bristol. What a waste of continuous water power. Is there a hydrologist out there who could calculate the number of megawatts the River Avon would produce between these points?
My guess? It would probably supply every street lamp between Bath and Bristol. To my mind, a far more important subject to consider than Wind Turbines, an as yet unproven technology.”
by H O'Tair, Bath
Monday, February 08 2010, 5:57PM
“For god's sake shut the up and just build the wind turbines. The hot air energy wasted at all these meetings would run a Bath for a year! The canal's and railway's were were once thought to be scar's on the landscape!
I think they are great looking. Just paint them green and brown to look like big trees!”
by PW, Bath
Monday, February 08 2010, 3:47PM
“I think that there is something graceful and beautiful about these wind turbines and would not mind one being part of my view”
by Jobe, Bath
Monday, February 08 2010, 1:58PM
“There has been a lot of discussion around the wind turbine, when there is a sluice gate next to the rec (running parallel with the weir) which could hide a water generator that could work in tandem with one of Bath's better known sights!”