Companies have been invited to bid to build Bristol City Council's two wind turbines at Avonmouth, the first local authority owned wind farm in the country.

The council wants to attract major wind developers to enter a new market sector. It is hoped that a contract can be awarded in April, and the wind turbines will be up and running by April 2013.

The turbines have a life expectancy of at least 20 years and can produce up to 12,600 MWh per annum, depending on the size of wind turbine chosen.

Once built they will save an estimated 6,600 tonnes of carbon per year, and they will cost between £5-6 million, although this will be recovered through savings on the council’s energy bills and sales made on the electricity produced.

-- Advertisement --

The site for the turbines is just off Severn Road in Avonmouth on the former Shell oil tank site, which is owned by the council. The coastal setting has good wind exposure and easy links with the national grid. There are already three wind turbines in Avonmouth at the Bristol Port Company owned by energy firm Ecotricity.

Council Leader Barbara Janke said: "This is an important step in Bristol becoming the first local authority in the country to develop our own wind turbines. Following our energy services company announcement last week, it highlights how Bristol is forging ahead with an ambitious renewable energy agenda.

"The wind turbines will demonstrate our determination to encourage clean, green energy and make a clear statement of intent in our efforts to reduce the city's carbon footprint. Bristol now has the lowest carbon emissions of England's major cities (excluding London) with overall reductions of 15% since 2005, and 20% per capita.

"Wind turbines are already well established in Avonmouth and the public consultation we held for this project showed overwhelming public support for our plans. I'd urge wind developers to come forward to help us deliver this exciting renewable energy project."

(CD/GK)