School installs wind power in centenary year
Early in 2008 Denes High School undertook a project to research sustainable energy sources as part of its plans for the future. Spearheaded by a group of students the research led them to propose wind power. They discussed their proposed project with NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), who are keen to support science related projects.
The Solution
The group of five students produced a bid for funding the installation of the Evance R9000 5kW wind turbine, with support from their science teachers, which was submitted through the Lowestoft Energy Challenge. The bid was successful, receiving funding from NESTA and the Low Carbon Trust.
The Result
With a set timeline for funding the students swiftly began the planning permission process, support by the school’s site manager. Due to a small woodland near-by being habituated by bats, the students were required to have a bat survey carried out. The survey raised no issues, so plans moved ahead.
The students arranged a meeting for the local community, where they gave an informative presentation of their plans, to which the audience was very supportive.
So in April 2010, after two years of hard work by the students, the Evance turbine was installed. The turbine, which stands as a statement of green intent, will help reduce the electricity bill and will be used to enhance curriculum activities throughout the school.
The turbine is a symbol of the school’s green ambitions and plan for the future. The installation of the Evance turbine has been a very successful project, for which we expect to substantially reduce our energy bill and reduce CO2 emissions by 4 tonnes per year.
Mr Justin Smith, operations manager for Denes High School
Summary
Turbine: Evance R9000 5kW turbine
Tower: 15m freestanding tower
Connection: National Grid