The turbine has the potential to save over £2,100 in cash as well as saving over six tonnes of CO2 each year. So far there has been one un-interrupted running period of 124 days where the turbine has produced 5027KWHrs, saving 2,699 tonnes of CO2, said a council officer.
The turbine suffered technical problems and in the last year maintenance and repair of the hydraulic accumulator cost £2,632. This meant that in practice, the turbine has reduced electricity costs by £371. The council was able to earn an additional £352 from the sale of Renewable Obligation Certificates as each MWHr is worth £35. And this will double from next April.
"This has been an excellent opportunity for the council to learn how wind turbine technology can help cut costs and reduce our carbon footprint," said Clive. "When proposed it was said that it would reduced the DDC electricity bill by £4,000 a year. We are not quite there yet but because the turbine was provided though a grant we are making financial and CO2 emissions savings," Clive said.