Wind Turbines

By using modern micro-generation wind turbine technology CMS UK believes that there is an opportunity for UK farmers to increase profits and protect the environment. This can be achieved by generating the farm electrical energy requirements on site by harnessing the power of small scale wind systems. Micro-generation sized systems are generally up to 50kW installed power, allowing the farmer to significantly reduce their annual energy costs.

Additional Income

In addition to pushing down energy costs and reducing the farm’s carbon footprint, installation of a wind turbine protects you from increasing energy costs, and will bring in another revenue stream from the ‘Feed in Tariffs’ (FiT) income for renewable energy projects (introduced on 1st April 2010).

Planning Permission

Planning permission is currently required for most wind turbines and as a result CMS UK is preparing a large number of planning applications for Wind Turbines (Micro Generation on 18-25m towers) for farms and rural businesses. This can be for one or two turbines or for multiple turbine projects. CMS UK is currently dealing with many such applications from north to south - the Scottish Borders, through the West and East Midlands and across Devon and Cornwall.

CMS UK are very familiar with preparing these wind turbine planning applications...

For further information on our planning service contact Sally Bowdler on 01270 522645 or email sally.bowdler@cmsuk-services.co.uk

Technical Advice

There are three components required for a successful small wind turbine installation – wind speed, grid connection and planning consent. CMS UK can help you with each step of that assessment process. CMS UK understands the farming industry and we can co-ordinate the technical advice required about the suitability of a wind turbine system to ensure that it will meet both the present and the future requirements of your site.

The first step is to carry out an initial feasibility study to ensure there is sufficient wind. If the location is suitable a more detailed assessment will be required of your site and business, including wind speed (possibly including on site checks), grid connection, location and future plans. Only then can the suitability and size of a wind turbine for your particular set of circumstances be established.

Example Projects

CMS UK is involved with a number of wind turbine projects on farms which have now been completed. One such project is the 50kW Endurance wind turbine in Devon which was commissioned in July 2010. (see link below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq52Z9NFFg4

This turbine is on a 25m tower and approximately 34.5m to the blade tip. Two more of these Endurance wind turbines will be installed in September 2010. They are the first of this make and model in the UK and on these sites will produce approximately 200,000kw hrs annually.

CMS UK have been involved in planning several other similar projects in recent months and are practicing what we preach with two Gaia 11kW wind turbines on 18m towers at our Spring Farm Business Centre site near Crewe.