Using Torfaens Natural Resources

Torfaen has a natural environment which is unique placed to be used for generating electricity and I would like to see Torfaen invest in renewables.

I think Torfaen could invest in renewables as a way of generating much needed income for the Council and at the same time make a huge contribution to reducing carbon generated from energy.

 

Why the contribution is important

The carbon saving is considerable if we use the research from Veritas.

The Vestas analysis demonstrates that the entire lifecycle consumption of energy for a 2 megawatt wind turbine is equivalent to 3,295 megawatt hours of electricity - this amount of electricity would be enough to power a single average Welsh home for 375 years. Their analysis further noted that a standard 2 megawatt wind turbine would generate 5,100 megawatt hours of electricity annually and consequently would have an energy payback of 7.7 months.

However their calculations assumed a relatively low wind speed  ( compiled at low altitude)- specifically an average turbine capacity factor of 29 percent. The reality is that a wind turbine, operating with Welsh hills would have a capacity factor closer to 40 percent. Consequently a 2 megawatt machine would generate 7,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually or 3,295 in less than 6 month

by thepureoption on November 09, 2020 at 12:44PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.0
Based on: 2 votes

Comments

  • Posted by VeronikaBTorfaenCouncil November 09, 2020 at 14:46

    Thank you for submitting this idea. Renewable technology is certainly something that will help reduce our emissions.

  • Posted by CAJacob November 11, 2020 at 15:59

    In addition to wind turbines, which requires citizens to be accepting of locations (!), there is a fast-moving river. I would like to hear more from the council about different alternatives.
    Solar panels on schools and other public buildings is another, easier and quicker technology
    which could be applied.

  • Posted by thepureoption November 12, 2020 at 09:01

    I agree CAJacobs that there needs to be a mix of solutions but if we use the Portuguese example where windfarm income is used to eliminate increases in Council tax.
    If the money raised was used to supplement Council income , you would find very few objectors.

  • Posted by ceriregan December 05, 2020 at 07:31

    I'm also in agreement with CAJacobs - a mix of solutions is needed. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by sources of energy that we can capture and use - wind, sun and water. I'm sure that some of the techniques and methods are far from straight forward (hydro in particular), however I have seen this done in other countries. Renewable is the way to go, and as mentioned above, could supplement Council income.

  • Posted by Debbiec793 December 08, 2020 at 23:52

    I also wonder if there is more that can be done with water power. Can local residents near water courses use water turbines with support in a similar way to how solar panels are funded?
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