Norvento’s planning application was approved by Adur Council, meaning that the twin nED100 turbines can now be installed on the Shoreham Port site where they will feed power directly to on-site pumps responsible for maintaining the water level in the locked basin of the port. At present, the annual energy consumption of the Pump House is around 475,000kWh but the wind turbines will be able to deliver 555,000kWh on average each year, more than catering for this demand.
The design features of the nED100 means that it is ideal for applications of this nature and the specific requirements of the Shoreham Port site in particular. The in-built active and reactive power controls of the turbines are ideally suited to the variable consumption profile of the pumps, which have been in place for over 40 years. The turbine is also certified to the IEC 61400-1 design standard for safety and reliability, and is therefore able to operate in ‘low noise’ mode, suitable for urban areas and close proximity to homes and businesses. This was a key factor, both in the selection of Norvento and the approval of the planning application.
The project is scheduled for completion in August this year and will help Shoreham Port achieve its energy independence goal, establishing a model for other ports and marinas throughout the UK.
“Shoreham Port will really demonstrate the versatility of medium wind as an on-site power source” said Ivo Arnús, Director of UK Business Development, Norvento. “More than just a means of bringing down energy costs, innovative turbines like nED100 can fit seamlessly into the daily operation of essential equipment on site and reduce overall impacts on the grid. We’re confident that Shoreham will provide a template for further sites throughout the UK and Europe in this regard.”
Peter Davies, Development Director at Shoreham Port, added that the twin-turbine project will place Shoreham at the forefront of sustainability within the Ports industry. Not only will it perfectly complement port operations and reduce the port’s carbon footprint, but it will also do so with minimal visual and noise impact on the local area - and with an exceptional level of community support and backing.
Community consultation has been an integral part of the planning process, according to Graham Hygate, Managing Director at site developer Fine Energy. The development team engaged with the local community to design a low impact wind energy project that would benefit both the port and the surrounding area.
Norvento is a Spanish company that has an expanding international presence in renewable energy development, operation and manufacture. It generated a total output of 366,711MWh in 2012 and began developing its new product line for distributed wind energy projects in 2008. The nED100 was launched in 2013 following an extensive testing programme and has been targeted at key international markets, introducing large-scale wind innovation into medium-scale distributed wind.
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