SUCCESSFUL TRIAL RUN FOR WIND FARM DELIVERY

27 November 2009

A trial run of a route from Swansea to the proposed Nant-y-Moch wind farm site in Ceredigion has been completed successfully.

Airtricity, the renewable energy development division of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is proposing to develop a 140 – 176 megawatt (MW) wind farm consisting of 60 to 80 turbines in an area identified by the Welsh Assembly Government as being suitable for one of the major renewable energy projects..
 
The trial from Swansea Docks to the site in north Ceredigion which was organised in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities and South Wales and Dyfed Powys Police  took place on Wednesday and Thursday 25 and 26 November using a vehicle which simulates transport of a wind turbine blade of the largest size being considered for the Nant-y-Moch project

Options for accessing the site off either the A487 or the A44 were assessed.
 
Airtricity’s Project Manager, Madeline Cowley for the Nant y Moch scheme said that the trial run provided useful information on the negotiability of the route and no unexpected issues were identified.

“As expected, there are a small number of locations where modifications to the highway such as altering and/or temporarily removing street furniture will be required to allow an actual blade transport to pass and we will consult with the relevant highways bodies before any proposals are made on such modifications.  
 
“Several locations including roundabouts at Cardigan and tight bends on the A44 near Goginan were negotiated more easily than had been indicated by earlier desk based assessment

“The trial run was a fine example of successful cooperation between a number of various organisations and every effort was made to keep disruption to the public to a minimum and I would like to thank South Wales and Dyfed Powys Police, the highways and transport authorities for their support in ensuring the trial progressed safely and as smoothly as possible and our appreciation to other road users for bearing with us during the short delays that were experienced”, she said

The trial run from Swansea Dock followed a route along the M4 motorway, the A48, A40, A487 and A44 Trunk Roads and also A478, A4120 and A4159 county roads.

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