Energy Minister Launches Dewlay’s ‘Castle Of The Clouds’ Turbine

The official launch of Dewlay’s wind turbine in Garstang was marked by a visit from the Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, Charles Hendry MP.

During his visit, the Minister undertook a tour of the production facility with Dewlay’s Managing Director and Production Director Nick and Richard Kenyon, along with Frances Karki, Chief Operating Officer of Wind Direct which has supplied, installed and is operating the turbine.

Charles Hendry officially unveiled the name of the turbine ‘Castle of the Clouds’. The name was chosen by local schoolgirl, Faith Anderson, 8, from St. Michael’s on Wyre CE Primary School after Dewlay invited schools in the region to name the 126 metre turbine.

Revealing the official name for the turbine, Nick Kenyon said: “We are delighted to welcome Charles Hendry to Dewlay today to mark the opening of our turbine and unveil its name ‘Castle of the Clouds’, which is a great symbol for the company. We are thrilled that the turbine is now fully operational. It is a proud day for us all at Dewlay as we deliver such a landmark project in the dairy sector, and we hope that our efforts will be a good example for others to follow suit.”

The turbine, installed at the rear of the company’s 18 acre site, will reduce the company’s carbon emissions by 2,992 tonnes per year, and sees the culmination of work that has been carried out alongside Wind Direct over the past two years.

Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy said: “Onshore wind will play an integral part in tackling the two major energy challenges we face – the pressing need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the equally important need to deliver secure, affordable energy supplies.

“I want communities and businesses to feel a sense of ownership in projects like this. That’s why we’re committed to allowing communities that host renewable energy projects to keep the business rates they generate.

“I applaud Dewlay for making the choice to generate green electricity and congratulate them on becoming one of the first cheesemakers in the UK to be powered by wind energy on this scale.

“People will ask what makes Garstang Blue so green. And while ‘green’ cheese has always been considered as one of those things that will never happen, after this visit I can now say that Dewlay lays claim to this feat!”

Frances Karki, COO of Wind Direct added: “Dewlay are saving money on their energy bills and will receive an income for any electricity that is exported to the local distribution network. In doing so, they are demonstrating their green credentials to both clients and suppliers alike. All of this ultimately adds to the sustainability of the business and helps to protect the environment.”
 

Editors Notes

Photos shown on this page:

Top: Pupils of St. Michael’s on Wyre CE Primary School with Charles Hendry MP

Bottom: (L-R) Euan Cameron (Group CEO, Wind Prospect); Frances Karki (COO, Wind Direct); Charles Hendry MP; Richard Kenyon (Operations Director, Dewlay); Nick Kenyon (Managing Director, Dewlay)

Contact