Time to Air Views on Wind Turbine

Local people in South Tyneside will have the opportunity to learn more about a proposed wind turbine which would save an estimated £150k a year.

Residents and businesses are invited to a consultation evening about the 900kW turbine which would slash annual carbon emissions by around 470 tonnes.

Subject to planning permission being gained, the 50-metre structure would be installed on Middlefields industrial estate in South Shields.

It would generate enough electricity to power operations at the Middlefields site - including a new recycling transfer station which is currently under construction - plus a surplus of around a quarter.

There are also plans to install a battery, where surplus energy could be stored and used at peak times, such as winter evenings, when electricity is at its most expensive.

Officers from the council and experts including a specialist wind planning consultant will be available at the event to answer questions, explain the benefits of the scheme, and show development plans and photos of how the turbine would look.

Cllr Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety with responsibility for climate change, said: "This will be an informal event, where people can come along, have a look at the plans and ask any questions.

"There will be forms to gather people's feedback which will be then fed into the design and planning processes.

"If this turbine were to get the go ahead, it would make a significant contribution towards the council's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

"Any surplus electricity would be stored in a battery, which could then be used in winter evenings when demand for electricity is at its highest."

She added: "We're committed to delivering new and innovative energy solutions, including increased use of renewable technologies to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions.

"Climate change is something that affects us all, so I'd encourage anyone interested in these proposals to come along and find out more."

The site has previously housed a wind turbine, which generated a proportion of the electricity needed at Middlefields and demonstrated that the location has good wind performance. This was further verified in a feasibility study which identified Middlefields as the most suitable site.

The proposed new turbine, which would have 27-metre-long blades, is specifically designed for single turbine developments on industrial sites.

The consultation evening will take place between 4.30 and 8pm on Tuesday, 28 January at Simonside Climbing Wall.