First Bute turbine shows off the art of spin
Bute's first wind turbine has been installed this week at the Bute Produce market garden on the outskirts of Rothsay.
The 15-metre turbine, which was built in Ayrshire, is forecast to generate some 12,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy every year- and the results will be applied directly to the nation, as well as providing all the energy supply needs of the Ashfield site, which is run by Fyne Homes, subsidiary organisation of Fyne Futures.
Manufactured by Ayrshire firm, Proven Energy, the turbine is one of the quietest available in the world market, and incorporates design features which convert energy from a magnetic source instead of from machinery or a gearbox.
The blades are also designed to ensure that as the wind speed increases, the rotation decreases, with each blade folding inwards but retaining optimum energy output .
Billy Miller, Fyne Futures' business manager, said: "Finally the community can witness for themselves green energy converted from wind energy.
"Visitors have come to the garden just to look at the tranquillity of the turbine in motion, and we will be encouraging training and support to the schools and community on the process and benefits of the wind as a valuable source of green energy production.
"Working on the site this week, the staff are now accustomed to their new surroundings and the turbine blends into the background with the full knowledge that it making a positive contribution to our environment.
"I am sure that with careful consideration and planning the island may witness more turbines and help towards lowering our carbon footprint and an increase in the use of the natural resources around us."
Billy also expressed the thanks of Bute Produce to the Mount Stuart Trust for granting special permission to erect the turbine, along with the scheme's funding partners from Community Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government, Wider Role and Leader.
The turbine is just the first part of a busy 2010 for Bute Produce, with a green box scheme, plans for a centre of excellence for composting training planned for the next few months.
Original article and credit goes to:
SEARCH THE WEBSITE
