School to run profitable wind turbine
Eco School Ellingham Primary will keep the Green Flag flying by becoming the first school in Norfolk and Suffolk to have its own money-making wind turbine.
The school, near Beccles, has raised funding for a 12 m high turbine which will not only provide the school with its own electricity but will enable it to make money by selling power to the National Grid.
On 14 November,11 am, the Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund administrator, Nigel Dark, will hand over a £5670 cheque to the school as the first payment towards the £24,000 wind turbine. Powergen has agreed to give a similar amount while the dti will fund the rest. The SDF is money given to National Parks by Defra for sustainable projects.
The presentation will be made after a performance by Nutmeg Puppet Company about how people can adapt to climate change, which is touring schools this autumn.
Nigel Dark said: "This is the Sustainable Development Fund’s first significant renewable energy project. It is a really impressive self sufficiency type project which involves young people who are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable on the subject. This is a very green school, full of get up and go environmentally, very enthusiastic, dynamic and forward thinking."
The wind turbine, due to be erected over the next month, will be a dream-come-true for the 5 -11 year old pupils. They held a public meeting to gain the support of the village and parents – and it was the children themselves who presented and explained the project.
The school has a wildflower meadow, copse and pond garden established with the help of the Broads Authority. The children hold Eco School meetings every half term in which all age groups are involved.
Jane Wells, the School’s Eco Schools Co-ordinator, said: "the children are concerned about carbon emissions and what’s happening to the planet and are trying to do something about it. They switch off lights, compost, have an organic vegetable garden, are into healthy eating and try to persuade their parents not to buy lots of packaging and to compost. The environment is a core part of our curriculum. We are now hoping that the wind turbine will not only be eco-friendly but will make us money!"
10/11/2006
