ABBOTS LANGLEY GARDENING SOCIETY

( ALGS )

 

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE WIND TURBINE

   

Abbots Langley residents are all aware of the wind turbine towering over the M25 where the Ovaltine Egg Farm once stood. Indeed it has become a local landmark.

On 21 June members of ALGS had an opportunity to visit the RES (Renewable Energy Systems) establishment to see the wind turbine at close quarters, together with their many other interesting developments.

RES, part of the Sir Robert McAlpine group of companies, has been established in the wind energy industry for over 20 years. They develop, build and run medium to large wind farms both in the UK and overseas. A typical modern 2MW wind turbine can produce enough power for over 1000 homes. Our local turbine is just a baby one however only producing up to 225kw.

In addition to wind power, RES is now developing biomass heating, geothermal technology and solar hot water and power. Architects regularly visit RES so that their ideas can be incorporated into modern buildings.

The old farm buildings including the ones that once housed the chicks, have been converted for modern office use, while retaining the original external look of the buildings. All the energy required for their offices comes from renewable sources on site.

RES is opening their facilities to the public on 21 July and 15 September. Please phone Annie Heaton on 01923 299347 to book a place.
 
   

Above top left: View of the re developed courtyard with new reception, which is not visible to the outside.
Above top left: Arial view showing the site with the wind turbine clearly visible and the field behind with bear earth where the miscanthus bio fuel is now growing. Also shown is a close up of the solar panels and the bio fuel boiler.
Above Bottom left: Annie Heaton describing to us the planting and harvesting of the miscanthus biomass crop (seen in the background) for the boiler which is used to supplement the energy from the wind and solar panels.
Above Bottom right: Shows the trees planted to eventually be pleached to provide shade from the sun and thus reduce the "greenhouse" effect within the building which ultimately reduces the energy need for cooling.