News

Five times Goonhilly's output could be achieved with half the turbines

Five times the current output from Goonhilly wind farm on The Lizard could be achieved using half the number of turbines.

The wind farm at Goonhilly Downs has operated successfully with 14 turbines since 1993, producing large quantities of clean, green electricity for local consumption.

On average the electricity generated at Goonhilly is equivalent to the consumption of nearly 2,000 homes, based on latest official DTI figures for Kerrier district.

Investigations by Helston-based Cornwall Light & Power, who own and operate the site, show that a repowered Goonhilly with seven new turbines could generate electricity equivalent to the consumption of over 10,000 homes.

This would meet the needs of all households on The Lizard with plenty more to spare for Helston and Porthleven,

Details will be shown at an Open Day at the wind farm on Saturday, September 15th (11am - 5pm).

Neil Harris, Chief Executive of Cornwall Light & Power, said: "Although we are at a very early stage, with much work to do on design and layout, we want to share our plans at the earliest opportunity with the entire community."

"We know that the site can comfortably accommodate a new scheme on these lines, and after 14 years of sustained success at Goonhilly we know there is an abundance of wind to be caught and turned into electricity."

"The wind farm has become part of the landscape, has no affect whatever on farming and other land use, has caused no ecological harm and has attracted no complaints about noise."

The scheme would dramatically reduce the dependency of The Lizard on fossil-fuel and nuclear-generated electricity which form the majority of the supply imported into Cornwall.

However this will not in any way compromise continuity or reliability of supply because The Lizard will remain connected to national supply.

Early discussions have started with Kerrier District Council and with other major stakeholders such as RNAS Culdrose, the Lizard's largest employer, and the world-famous Goonhilly Earth Station which attracts 80,000 visitors a year.