subject: Wind Turbines and Solar Panels in Norfolk [print this page] Currently in Norfolk, there seems to be a quiet energy revolution taking place. As the Government's recent Feed-In-Tariffs (FITs) get underway, you can see solar panels gradually start to appear on the roofs in Norwich and Wind Turbines popping up in the surrounding countryside.
With more and more off-shore wind projects being considered, the Norfolk coast is becoming a hub for investors. With Yarmouth's Scroby Sands wind farm up and running with 30 turbines, more are set to follow off the costs of Docking, Comer and Sheringham. These farms will have 444 wind turbines in total and they will collectively generate 2,035MW!
Beyond the private sector, the interest in renewable energy is growing in the public sector. Despite cuts coming thick and fast from the government, the Feed-in tariffs offer the public sector the opportunity to invest in generating their own electricity and the opportunity to see a return on investment in both the short and long-term. This allows them to boast a saving in energy costs as well as lowering their carbon emissions.
Norfolk County Council have committed to looking in to the viability of setting up wind turbines on County Farms, erecting Solar Panel Street lights and the installation of Solar Panels on schools and other council properties.
Norwich City Council has more Green Party Councillors than any other local authority in the UK. In their recent published manifesto, Norwich Green Party talked about the prospects of setting up an ESCO. There are many people who also think they will soon push to secure a deal like their colleagues in Kirklees Council who have installed solar panels on their council homes. I personally believe this would be a fantastic thing to see in Norwich and Norfolk.
