Red Gap Wind Farm, Hartlepool

In 2015, following a change of scheme ownership from British Telecom to Airvolution Energy Ltd, we were appointed to maximise the potential electricity yield from Red Gap Wind Farm. We also needed to provide a path to operation before the end of the 2016-2017 financial year.

Working closely with the client and landowner, and building on our existing relationship with the local planning authority, we successfully increased the previously consented capacity of the wind farm by up to 31%. How? By increasing the consented rotor diameter of the wind turbines from 90 metres to a maximum 103 metres. Given the deadline of commencing operation by the close of the financial year, we needed to ensure that the wind farm could be lawfully implemented quickly, efficiently, and with minimum risk to the consent order. This included the coordination of a range of technical investigations and works, including archaeological investigation, ecology, highways, and the diversion of rights of way.

Commissioning of the wind turbines took place in February 2017 and we have completed its final piece of work on the project, via the submission and approval of decommissioning works, to take place when the planning permission expires in 25 years. The result? A greener, more sustainable energy resource capable of producing the maximum potential energy yield.