‘Green’ pupils at wind-battered school aim to harness weather

Youngsters and staff at Pennine View school in Conisbrough, near Doncaster, had noticed for several years that the site was very windy, and called in wind power experts to help them to develop their idea.

After several months of study using equipment to measure wind speeds and intensity, they plan to lodge their application with Doncaster Council, and will hold an information day for local residents.

In many areas of South Yorkshire, wind turbines have proved controversial with their neighbours, but the school said it was confident that people would realise the positive impact of the development.

Headteacher Glyn Davies said two companies Hewlett Civil Engineering and Sykamore Small Wind Ltd were involved and added: “Renewable energy and the environment are an important part of our studies.

“The children are very interested and keen to learn about wind power and we hope that having a wind turbine installed on the school premises will present a more practical and fun approach to learning and give a clearer insight into the reasons why we need alternative energy sources.”

Mr Davies said the school, on Old Road, Conisbrough, overlooks the Don Valley and is situated on a particularly windy site. An anemometer has been installed to measure wind direction and speed and plans for a small-scale wind turbine are currently being drawn up.

The plans outline proposed options for a wind turbine to be sited next to the school and if the planning for the turbine is approved, it is hoped that the scheme will provide a direct supply of green electricity to the school enabling it to reduce its carbon footprint as well as benefit from reduced electricity bills.

Mark Wisniewski from Sykamore Ltd said: “We are in the early stages of testing to determine if a small wind turbine would be suitable at the school but anyone living close by can tell you that it’s a pretty windy area.

“If the project were to go ahead the school could expect to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of eight homes each year.

“It is very much a win, win situation. The turbine will help lower the school’s energy bills, its carbon footprint and provide an excellent learning experience for the students.”

It is likely that, if approved, the project would consist of a single three bladed wind turbine on a 12m (40ft) mast.

Mr Wisniewski said wind testing is ongoing but the turbine is expected to produce approximately 38,000 units of electricity each year – more than enough to power the entire school.

It is thought he turbine would generate carbon emissions savings of about 17.2 tonnes each year.

Sykamore said similar applications have shown that the type of turbine proposed do not have any detrimental effect on the local ecology or any significant landscape, noise or visual effects.

But Mr Davies said he was aware that some locals would have concerns about the idea and vowed to keep them informed about the project.

He added; “We understand how important it is to keep the parents of our pupils and the wider community informed and involved in the process in order to gain their support.

“Not only for this project, but to promote a positive enthusiasm to install renewable energy in schools throughout the area.

“We will be holding an open evening at the school to present all the facts, discuss the proposal and answer any questions.

“The outline plans already have the support of the school’s governors and we hope this will be echoed by the local community.”