Work on windfarm at Stibb Cross due to start in 2010

By ksmith

WORK on the new wind farm planned for Galsworthy at Stibb Cross is due to start early in 2010.

Ecotricity, the energy company behind the development, says it hopes the four turbines will be fully operational by the summer of 2010.

The groundworks, which involve putting in all the connections, are due to begin in just over 12 months and then each turbine will take three to five days to install.

It will arrive in three sections, followed by the blades, then the generator and the hub.

It will all be lifted into place by a specialist crane and depending on weather conditions, should be completed within a few months.

Ecotricity says the turbines will produce 2.3 megawatts each and provide for 6,770 households each year.

A planning application for four wind turbines at Dunsland Cross near Brandis Corner in Holsworthy has been made.

Bolsterstone Innovative Energy Ltd believe the turbines will produce enough electricity to supply around 4,000 to 5,000 homes a year.

The company said the turbines, which would measure up to 105m to the blade tip, would save between 7,748 and 18,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

It has also applied to have a temporary mast for up to a year near the site, to carry out meterological testing.