A report going to Bristol City Council Cabinet on 25 March is recommending approval for the Council to fully own a new wind turbine project.

The Council would fund the scheme through a loan which would be repaid by the sale of the electricity, providing the Government change the law to make the sale of electricity by local authorities legal.

The turbines will be built and operated by a specialist provider with experience in the field. It is believed that Bristol will be the first council in the UK to operate its own turbines on its own land.

The scheme will generate up to 20% of the council’s annual electricity and is another important step on the way to achieving the council’s climate change and energy security targets.

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The north area planning committee granted planning permission for the two 131 metre turbines last year. The council has been awaiting clarification on the legislation on carbon trading and for the legal changes required to allow local authorities to sell electricity from wind generation being put in motion by the Government.

"We have considered different alternatives to funding the wind turbines but the one that gives the best returns and flexibility is for the Council to directly own the turbines, paying back any borrowing through the sale of the electricity produced. Any profits will be earmarked to fund other carbon reduction projects in the city," said Neil Harrison, Assistant Cabinet Member for Sustainability.

The cost of building the turbines is estimated to be up to £9.4 million, (which includes a large contingency). The turbines have a life expectancy of at least 25 years and will produce up to 3MW each.

(CD/GK)