A WIND turbine in East Somerset could be swapped out with a turbine almost double its size if plans are approved.
Renewable energy company DistGen submitted plans to replace a 66 metre high wind turbine, found a stone’s throw from Wanstrow near Frome and Shepton Mallet, with a more modern and efficient 125m turbine.
The proposed turbine, a Vestas V90, would have a capacity four times larger than the turbine currently at the site, increasing from 500 kilowatts to two megawatts.
The new turbine would be significantly taller than its predecessor, stretching up to 125 metres high and 90 metres wide, and is expected to operate for 30 years.
It would sit alongside the turbine currently in operation, with DistGen stating it would not be possible to repurpose the existing turbine foundation but it would utilise the existing site access and existing grid connection.
A mock-up of the view of the proposed wind turbine in Wanstrow Picture: DistGen
DistGen says they have received many positive comments about their plans throughout their public consultation events.
“A significant proportion of the local community were in favour of the project and made the effort to come in and voice their support,” a spokesperson said.
“Some local residents expressed concerns regarding the increased height and how it may affect visual impact and noise.
“Many residents expressed great satisfaction with the substantial contributions made to the community so far and were enthusiastic about the potential additional benefits the turbine could bring.”
The existing turbine was constructed in 2014 by DistGen, a company which prides itself on “democratising the ownership of generating assets and sharing the benefits as locally as possible”.
DistGen says the existing turbine has produced more than 7.3 gigawatt hours of low-carbon energy and has handed more than £103,740 to communities in Wanstrow and Witham as a result.
To view and comment on the plans, visit somerset.gov.uk and search planning reference 2024/1931/FUL.
What do you think about the plans? Let us know in the comments.
Fully support. Environmentally we are already at 1.5 degrees above and can see the fires, floods and storms that brings. I can only imagine what it will be like at 3 degrees. We need every bit of renewables we can get.