London Wind and Biomass Study
In partnership with TNEI, a consultancy specialising in new energy technologies, and Ian Bright, bringing specialist knowledge on biomass energy in London, we delivered a feasibility study looking into the potential for non-building integrated wind, biomass plants and photovoltaic (PV) on road-side noise barriers in London for the London Energy Partnership (LEP) in December 2005.
The wind study identified wind resource areas and potential large and small scale sites within these areas, while providing guidance and best practice notes for the implementation of the findings, looking at issues such as perception from the local community, the effect on the local environment and aeronautical constraints. Our biomass study quantified the available resources in the city, mapped supply chains and transportation, and identified barriers and solutions. Materials looked at in the study included straw, animal fats, used cooking oil and construction wood waste.
The study found that there is the potential to install stand alone wind turbine sites in London to provide 40 to 80 MW of energy, enough to power 42,000 homes. Biomass could potentially provide 13% of London's energy, saving 4.8 million tonnes CO2, enough biomass resource to power 1.2 million households. The findings of the study will be disseminated across the London boroughs in order to enable local authorities to choose suitable wind and biomass sites in their area. It will also inform planners and developers of any potential sustainable energy resources in future development sites.
The report is available for download here.