Improving Infrastructure: Wind Resource Study for the West Midlands Region
Improving Infrastructure: Wind Resource Study for the West Midlands Region
Date of the report
May 2009
Author of the report
Advantage West Midlands
Purpose of the report
This study reviews wind energy as an economically viable resource for the West Midlands Region. It maps potential opportunities for development of wind turbines in the region, taking into consideration the key development constraints based on the current status of wind technology. It outlines how harnessing wind resource could be achieved in the West Midlands Region, the benefits to the region and also the limitations.
Relevance to the region
After three stages of screening using a specialised mapping tool, it was concluded that 2% of the West Midlands Region, equivalent to 30 kilo hectares (30k ha), is suitable for harnessing wind power in the form of turbines. The report suggest that this could be achieved through support for targeted awareness raising campaigns aimed at providing information to wind power developers and local authorities developing energy strategies to inform their planning policies. They insist that regional organisations, businesses and individuals would all benefit from improved energy security and reduce costs which would improve the competitiveness of the region.
What SWM liked
We liked the thorough explanation of the screening process for potential sites of wind resource development.
Links and contact information
For more information, please contact grahamwaddell@advantagewm.co.uk