A project to breathe new life into one of the country’s oldest wind farms by re-powering it is being spearheaded by leading civil engineering company Jones Bros.
REG Windpower is planning to yield cleaner, renewable energy at St Breock in north Cornwall by replacing 11 existing wind turbines with five more efficient, taller models.
Repowering the wind farm, which has been generating renewable electricity for almost 3,000 homes since 1994, will more than double the quantity of electricity produced, thanks to vast improvements in turbine technology.
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is decommissioning the existing wind turbines and preparing the site, near Wadebridge, for five, 100m turbines that are expected to be operational later this year.
The company, which has developed considerable expertise in developing infrastructure for wind farms across the UK, is now building a reputation for decommissing sites that are coming to the end of their natural life.
John Dielhof, contracts director of Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, based in North Wales, said: “Repowering wind farms maximises energy generation and gives new life to these sites. We are pleased to be at the forefront of this revolution as we see the next generation of turbines installed.”
Jones Bros has been at the remote site since last autumn, preparing ground works and developing access tracks.
“We’ve amassed a great deal of experience in managing the complex logistics of working over large expanses in remote areas,’’ added John Dielhof. “Our engineers understand the special requirements of projects involving the construction of access roads to accommodate abnormal loads, turbine foundations, substation buildings and electrical infrastructure.”
Claudia Richard, Community Relations Manager with REG Windpower, said: “We look forward to generating even more safe, clean renewable energy with the repower at St Breock, as well as supporting local good causes with a community benefit fund for the duration of the wind farm’s working life.”
Founded in the 1950s and employing approximately 300 people, Jones Bros has grown rapidly in the last decade. It is currently working on contracts in various sectors including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence and renewable energy projects around the UK.