18 August 2016
The turbines which were installed over the summer, are located on the revetment by the Port’s Outer Layby and are now providing electricity directly to the Pump House. The turbines will be capable of generating on average 550,000kWh of electricity per year and were selected to match the energy demands of the pumps. The pumps are the biggest single user of electricity and are critical to Port operations. They are used at various times of the day and night to replenish the water lost to the sea when the lock gates are opened.
The two turbines consist of a three-bladed rotor, 22m in diameter, supported by a 24.5m tubular monopole, making the overall height to the tip 35.5 metres. This compares with the 30 metre high lighting towers and the 106 metre high power station chimney nearby on the Port and also the 140m tall turbines currently being installed off-shore.
During the works, public access to the Eastern Breakwater was restricted for health and safety reasons, but has now been reopened and will only be closed for short periods for maintenance purposes in the future.
Ivo Arnús, Director at Norvento Wind Energy who own and erected the machines said “We are very pleased how the construction phase went and are delighted that the project was completed on time and is now generating electricity.”
The Norvento nED100 wind turbine is the most efficient 100 kW in the UK. It is a state-of-the-art wind turbine, incorporating the huge advances that have occurred in wind power technology in recent years, including a low noise mode. The turbine generates clean, free energy and will continue to do so for many years after its system costs have been recovered. The nED100 components have been carefully selected, demanding the same materials, processes and quality controls as those applied to large-scale turbines and is designed and manufactured to last over twenty years.
Peter Davies, Development Director at Shoreham Port said “We are keen to reduce our carbon footprint and electricity costs by generating green energy on site. We are confident the turbines will be an asset to the Port without impacting on the local area. The industrial setting of the Port together with its long association with electricity generation must make it one of the most appropriate places for wind turbines along the south coast.”
In September, the Port will be celebrating the installation of the wind turbines by inviting local schools to enter a naming competition. Once the winning pair of names has been chosen a naming ceremony will take place at the foot of the wind turbines. Details for the competition will be released at the beginning of September.
For further information please visit www.shoreham-port.co.uk/Wind-Energy and www.norvento.com.
