Landfill site operators’ 285ft wind turbine bid

Waste Recycling Group (WRG) has submitted the proposal to Doncaster Council for the 87m (285ft) turbine at its Bootham Lane landfill site in Dunscroft.

The firm said the machine would be linked into the National Grid through the Government’s feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme and would produce enough electricity to power around 300 homes each year.

The FIT scheme was launched by Government last year to increase the number of small and medium scale renewable energy generation projects.

WRG said the renewable energy generated by the turbine will be used on site, with any excess distributed via the local electricity network.

Mike Snell of WRG, said the proposal followed a company review of over 260 of its closed and operational sites across the UK, to establish feasible locations for the possible development of wind energy projects.

Mr Snell said feasibility studies of sites showing potential included a rigorous assessment of technical and environmental aspects to ensure that the sites selected are the most appropriate for development.

He added: “WRG is constantly looking for new opportunities to make a positive contribution to UK green energy infrastructure and support the UK in meeting its international commitments to renewable energy and climate change.

“We have a unique opportunity to make the most of our existing landholding by generating renewable energy and thereby maximising environmental benefit.”

The Dunscroft application comes as work is completed on a four-turbine wind farm at Marr, west of Doncaster.

According to developer Banks Renewables, it will generate enough power for 6,700 homes.