1. Patrick Kearon The Bristol Port Company

2. Background
Global warming – we all need to reduce CO2 output from our activities
UK Target = 20% reduction in 1990 CO2 levels by 2010
South West Target = 11-15% of electricity from renewable sources
Dependence on finite fossil fuels & increasing energy costs
UK is Europe’s windiest country - average mean wind speeds >7m/s (18mph)

3. The Answer
Imperative for The Bristol Port Company to develop a local renewable energy source to supply port demand

4. Outline of Proposals
Erect 3 wind turbines (up to 3 MW), including associated bases and cables
Construct control building & access ways
Combined 9 MW = up to 75% of port’s electricity demand
Development site is 8.5 hectares of reclaimed land in Avonmouth Dock
Adjacent to Severn Estuary

5. Site Location

6. Site Selection - Alternatives
9 potential locations short-listed and tested against 3 key factors:
Wind generating potential
Aviation safety (Filton Airfeld)
Possible impacts on birds using the estuary
This location in Avonmouth Docks was identified as optimum site
Turbine location finely adjusted to not interfere with air safety & bird migration routes

7. The Preferred Site

8. Typical Wind Turbine Dimensions
Hub height 85 metres 279 feet
Rotor diameter 70 metres (35m radius)
120m
393 ft

9. Environmental Issues Geology/Ground Conditions Hydrology/Hydrogeology
Ecology
Landscape and visual impacts
Archaeology
Traffic and transport
Noise and vibration
Telecommunications
Air traffic
Marine navigation

10. Landscape and Visual Impacts
Evaluate effect on local landscape
Turbines located in low-lying, heavily industrialised landscape, with many tall structures & buildings
Landform, structures & woodlands restrict visibility
Turbines will be visible from:
Avonmouth Village (partial, restricted views, change inevitable in places)
Pill (noticeable, but not intrusive)
Higher elevations e.g. Lawrence Weston & Shirehampton (more visible, but distant & panoramic, not intrusive)

11. Photomontage of Landscape

12. Ecology and Birds
No valuable habitats on site, but next to Severn Estuary SPA, SSSI and Ramsar site
Ecological surveys to inform assessment of impacts on wildlife, including
Extended Phase 1 habitat survey
Bird surveys (e.g. High tide/low tide counts, night time, migration and breeding surveys)
Key potential impacts on birds are Disturbance & Collisions
With mitigation no adverse impact during construction
5 years monitoring (review in 2 years)

13. Bird Movements

14. Archaeology
Assessment of archaeological remains in the vicinity of the development site:
Terrestrial archaeology
Maritime archaeology and historic activity
Borehole assessment
No known sites or monuments affected by the development
Construction of turbines includes 30 metre piles into made ground
Mitigation/Monitoring – archaeological recording

15. Historic Mapping

16. Balance of Effects No major adverse environmental impacts
Potential disturbance of SPA birds and changed views from areas of Avonmouth Village
All other negative impacts avoided or reduced by mitigation and design measures
17-26% of south west’s renewable energy target
Provision of up to 75% of Port’s electricity
Significant reduction in green house gasses (18,319 tonnes CO2 /plus SO2 & NOx)

17. Construction & Operation
Construction end 2006
Construction programme about 36 weeks
In operation this time in 2007
Operational life of 25 years
Turbines then either replaced, refurbished or removed & site reinstated

18. The Way Forward
BPC agreement with Ecotricity who will construct, own and operate the turbines
BPC provided with energy for life of turbines
“Overspill” electricity is publicly available - see (
We all need to do more to tackle global warming problem
Wind turbines can contribute to the renewable energy solution