12 May 2008 09:26
Cumbrian school gets E.ON energy boost for wind turbine project

Still time for more Cumbrian community groups to apply for the next round of E.ON's environmental fund

Netherhall School in Maryport today erected a new wind turbine with the help of a £19,000 grant from energy company E.ON.

The 15 metre high, 6kw turbine, which has been installed in one of the school's fields, will now supply renewable energy to a number of sports facilities used by the school and the local community.

Jane Branscombe, Community Relations Manager with E.ON, said: "We're delighted to be able to contribute towards this exciting project for Netherhall School as part of our new SOURCE scheme, which is designed to help community groups get their sustainable energy projects off the ground.

"The school was looking to provide sustainable and subsidised energy for the recently constructed sports hall, astro-turf pitches, tennis courts and swimming pool, which are all used by the local community."

The turbine is expected to save the emission of almost three tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, and a display board showing wind-speed and electricity readings will be positioned in the school's science laboratories.

The wind turbine will provide a tangible focus for the teachings of the school's science and geography departments on sustainable energy practices, as well as helping the school to reduce its carbon footprint.

Ian Skillen, from Netherhall School, said: "For a while now, there has been a big drive to reduce our carbon footprint.

"The wind turbine project will have a huge impact on the school and its community as a visible symbol that it now means business.

"This project is very high profile for the school because it provides a very visible focus for what the school is trying to do, namely helping and supporting its students and community through raising awareness of the importance of sustainable and greener energy, while at the same time promoting the benefits of a fitter and healthier lifestyle."

E.ON, one of the UK's leading green electricity generators, launched its SOURCE fund in 2007 to help with the costs of sustainable energy projects for community buildings.

The fund is backed up by the SOURCE website, which provides information and advice for community groups seeking to become more energy efficient or generate their own energy from sustainable sources.

The website, which contains full details of how to apply for a grant, can be accessed at www.eon-uk.com/source.

The next deadline for applications for funding is Friday 3 October, 2008.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• The SOURCE fund is available until the end of 2008 and the closing dates for applications is 3 October 2008;
• E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest investor-owned power and gas company. We employ around 17,000 people in the UK;
• E.ON is the new name for Powergen. Our retail business is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around 8 million electricity and gas customer accounts, covering domestic, SME and industrial. E.ON offers central heating and boiler care through its Home Energy Services business;
• We're one of the leading green generators in the UK, with 21 wind farms located from Cornwall to Northern Ireland. We also burn biomass material mixed with coal in two of our power stations and have recently opened the UK's largest dedicated biomass power station at Lockerbie. Combined, our renewable portfolio generates enough green energy to power the homes in a city the size of Manchester;
• We plan to spend £1bn on new renewables in the next five years, including new onshore and offshore wind, new biomass and wave and tidal power;
• Our target is to cut the carbon released by each kW of electricity we generate by 10% between 2005-2012, having already reduced it by 20% since 1990;
• We have 1,300MW of renewable capacity under development;
• We invested £53 million in energy efficiency in 2006. These measures included loft and cavity wall insulation, installation of energy efficient boilers and smart metering, a technology we are investing a further £12 million in over the next two years.

For further information contact:

Deanna Mooney on 024 7618 3678

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