The construction of two 130 metre-high wind turbines in Oakdale has been completed three years after plans were first unveiled.
The turbines, located on council-owned land at Oakdale Business Park, are capable of providing energy for 2,000 homes a year.
The 50m blade turbines were erected at the beginning of the year, after construction began in July 2013, and have since undergone testing and commissioning to put them into use.
Developer Partnerships for Renewables (PfR) will run the turbines for 25 years and have vowed to set up a community fund to provide £10,000 a year for community projects. The fund will be administered by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Sustainable Development and Planning said: “I’m delighted to see the completion of this flagship development, which reflects the council’s commitment to sustainability and to finding cleaner, greener ways to produce energy.
“This wind energy project will provide a significant boost to the area and further enhance the business park’s strategic importance in the area.”
Simon Vince, Construction Director for PfR, added: “I am delighted to welcome the project into our growing portfolio of operating wind farms.
“The Oakdale project clearly demonstrates the value of working closely with a public sector body on suitable land for onshore wind production.”
A small number of objections were made at the planning stage, claiming the turbines would lower the value of houses and create noise nuisance.
there is room for more in the same area and i believe this is the way forward, why not put more and give the area cheaper electric. as for sound nuisance, iv visited the sight and they hardly make any sound. when huge electric pylons where erected to bring electric to the valleys, im sure every one wanted the instant light they brought. i dont see any difference in these turbines, other than to help us.while on the subject why not put solar panels on all council houses, giving the occupants free electric, you have taken advantage of all other government initiatives i.e. insulation of homes etc, so why not solar panels,as i understand they pay for themselves, so wont cost the council and will benefit all in the long term. come on wales lets think of the future instead of being stuck in the past
B Rose: Wind turbines are turned off in high winds as they are prone to damage and self destruction and are often kept turned off as it's more profitable for the energy company to sell inflated energy from coal/nuclear stations than it is from these turbines. The amount of energy per £ installation and set up cost is lowest for a turbine. No company in their right mind, unless they are heavily subsidised by the taxpayer, would set up a turbine as it's cheaper, more profitable and has a shorter period until you start generating a profit, with a coal/oil/gas power station. Let's remember, the companies want money, they don't care about the environment. All they care about is their wallet.
Turbines are a step backward. We are surrounded by water. We should harvest the power of the sea for renewable energy.
I'm fascinated by wind turbines, and believe there's room for many more to help fund projects in the Borough. Bring them on.
I'm fascinated by you, Jeff. As Dean pointed out the turbines would be privately owned and operated probably with some subsidies.
I don't know the revenue to be generated but let's just say it was cheaper and worked out to be cost effective, how would the saved money fund projects in the community? The saved money would be profits for the companies or, if we are very luck, a few quid of our energy bills.