Non Technical Summary - Partnerships for Renewables

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Non Technical Summary
Context
This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) forms part of the
Environmental Statement (ES) which has been prepared by
AMEC Environment & Infrastructure UK Ltd (AMEC) on behalf
of Partnerships for Renewables (HMP Camp Hill) Limited
(PfR) to accompany a planning application to construct
and operate a wind energy development on land owned
by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) within the grounds of HMP
Isle of Wight (Camp Hill). The ES presents the findings of
an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which aims to
identify potentially significant effects from the proposed
development and where appropriate to propose suitable
mitigation measures to address or minimise any effects
identified. This document is a ‘non-technical’ summary of
the main findings of the ES.
Vestas has had a presence on the Isle of Wight since 1993
and currently employs 220 people there. The company is a
world leading turbine manufacturer having installed 40,000
turbines in 69 countries which equates to 40GW of capacity
installed. The Vestas facility on the Isle of Wight is at the
cutting edge of turbine design; researching, developing
and testing new turbine blades. It also has the ability to
manufacture blades and is an important showcase for
Vestas turbines for its potential customers.
Recognising the important contribution which Vestas makes
to the economy of the Isle of Wight PfR has established a
relationship with them to secure Vestas as the preferred
supplier of turbines to the site. Not only will this support an
important local employer the turbines, once operational,
would present the company with a further local opportunity
to enhance Vestas’ R&D capabilities. The HMP Camp Hill
project is wholeheartedly supported by Vestas and would be
an important flagship development for them sustaining their
continued commitment and investment on the Isle of Wight.
Background
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
which is the principal scientific body advising governments
on climate change, has confirmed the significant influence
on the global climate of increases in atmospheric levels
of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and other greenhouse gases as a
result of human activities. The burning of fossil fuels such
as coal and gas to generate electricity is a major source of
greenhouse gas emissions. A vital part of reducing these
emissions is increasing the proportion of electricity generated
from renewable energy sources such as wind.
The Climate Change Act 2008 sets a legally binding target
of at least an 80% cut in UK greenhouse gas emissions
by 2050. In the shorter term it sets a target reduction in
emissions of at least 34% by 2020. In addition, as part of
EU-wide actions to increase the use of renewable energy,
the UK has a legally-binding commitment to source 15% of
its energy from renewable sources by 2020. These targets
form the basis of the UK Renewable Energy Strategy which
specifically includes the aspiration to generate 30% of the
UK’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
In 2010 just 6.8% of UK electricity came from renewables.
The targets are set in order to combat climate change and
provide the UK with a more secure energy supply by reducing
reliance on imported fossil fuels. As the UK has one of the
windiest climates in Europe a significant proportion of the
electricity required from renewables is expected to come
from onshore wind generation. In order to achieve national
and regional targets for renewable energy generation and
to transform the UK into a low carbon economy a range of
large and small scale renewable energy installations will be
required. As such the proposed two turbine wind energy
development at Camp Hill will contribute to the attainment of
these goals.
Developer and Project Team
PfR was set up by the Carbon Trust in 2006 to develop,
construct and operate renewable energy projects primarily
on public sector land. PfR manages the development of
projects through site selection, assessment of site feasibility,
layout design process, construction and operation.
The EIA has been managed and co-ordinated by AMEC
on behalf of PfR. AMEC Environment & Infrastructure
UK Ltd is one of the UK’s largest environmental and
engineering consultancies and part of a global Environment
& Infrastructure division with 7,000 employees around
the world. This division of the AMEC business delivers
environmental, engineering and related consultancy services
to customers across the public and private sectors. AMEC is
an Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
(IEMA) Registered Assessor (the principle professional body
for EIA in the UK) and is highly experienced in undertaking
EIAs of wind energy developments with approximately
1,250MW of development consented.
Further specialist input came from Hoare Lea who undertook
the noise assessment and The Heritage Collective who
undertook the cultural heritage assessment. All other
chapters were completed by AMEC.
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