Wind turbine plan lined up for council's South Shields industrial estate to save £150,000 a year

Proposals to install a 50 metre-high wind turbine are pushing forward as part of a drive to save emissions and cash.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The 900kW turbine would slash annual carbon emissions by around 470 tonnes, according to the authority, should it be given planning permission.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The proposed new turbine, which would have 27-metre-long blades, is specifically designed for single turbine developments on industrial sites.

An image of what the new wind turbine could look like on Middlefields Industrial Estate, if South Tyneside Council gets planning permission for the structure.An image of what the new wind turbine could look like on Middlefields Industrial Estate, if South Tyneside Council gets planning permission for the structure.
An image of what the new wind turbine could look like on Middlefields Industrial Estate, if South Tyneside Council gets planning permission for the structure.

It would generate enough electricity to power operations at the Middlefields site – including a new recycling transfer station which is currently under construction – plus a surplus of around a quarter.

As part of the project a battery would be set up, storing surplus energy to used at peak times, such as winter evenings, when electricity is at its most expensive.

Officers from the council and experts including a specialist wind planning consultant will be available at the event to answer questions, explain the benefits of the scheme, and show development plans and photos of how the turbine would look.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A public session has been set up to give residents and businesses a chance to find out more and have their say on the scheme as the planning application is put together with the help of feedback.

Middlefields Industrial Estate could become home to a new wind turbine under plans from South Tyneside Council.Middlefields Industrial Estate could become home to a new wind turbine under plans from South Tyneside Council.
Middlefields Industrial Estate could become home to a new wind turbine under plans from South Tyneside Council.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, lead member for area management and community safety with responsibility for climate change, said: “If this turbine were to get the go-ahead, it would make a significant contribution towards the council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

“We’re committed to delivering new and innovative energy solutions, including increased use of renewable technologies to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions.

Climate change is something that affects us all, so I’d encourage anyone interested in these proposals to come along and find out more.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The site has previously housed a wind turbine, which generated a proportion of the electricity needed at Middlefields and showed the location has good wind performance, with a feasibility study also identifying it as the most suitable site.

The consultation evening will take place between 4.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday, January 28, at Simonside Climbing Wall.