Banks Renewables in wind test bid

PLANS have been submitted for a test wind mast on the site of a proposed new wind farm.

Banks Renewables, part of the Banks Group, is developing plans for the proposed Thornton Moor scheme, which would be situated on moorland to the south Denholme in West Yorkshire.

The company has applied for permission for a 60m test mast to be erected on site to collect wind data, and is hoping to get a decision on the application by April 2012.

Banks is looking to invest around £12.5m in the creation of the Thornton Moor wind farm, which is expected to encompass up to four turbines.

The scheme would have an installed capacity of up to 8MW, which is enough to meet the annual electricity consumption needs of up to 4,400 homes.

If the scheme goes ahead, firms would be able to tender for contracts worth approximately £3.8m for work required in the construction phase of the scheme.

Phil Dyke, development director at Banks Renewables, said: “The Thornton Moor scheme would represent a significant capital investment by Banks, and as well as producing significant amounts of renewable energy, it would also bring a range of other benefits to the area.”