A GIANT new wind turbine in the Clay Country near St Austell will not only generate green energy but will also help to raise cash to benefit local communities in Cornwall. 

The huge wind turbine has been taking shape at the Blackpool Pit, a large disused china clay mining site owned by minerals group Imerys close to the village of Trewoon. 

The new turbine, looking over a lake in the former pit, makes up part of the Clay Country renewable energy portfolio belonging to Clean Earth, a company based in Wadebridge. 

Amber Trenberth, planning and business development director at Clean Earth, said: “The Clay Country wind turbine portfolio delivers locally-generated renewable electricity, long-term carbon reduction and direct investment for communities in Cornwall. 

“The portfolio combines turbines already in operation and turbines now under construction – creating a positive local energy asset with measurable environmental and community benefits. 

“Since commissioning, the current turbines have saved in excess of 37,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, broadly equivalent to the emissions of 20,000 return flights between London and New York. 

The huge turbine under construction at the former Blackpool Pit in Cornwall. (Picture: Paul Williams)
The huge turbine under construction at the former Blackpool Pit in Cornwall. (Picture: Paul Williams)

“Across the wider portfolio, projected carbon savings will exceed 700,000 tonnes, making a substantial contribution to Cornwall’s clean energy transition. 

“The community benefit is equally significant. The existing turbines have generated a fund of over £350,000 to be used in supporting local priorities. When all the turbines are operational, an annual local fund of £150,000 will be available, equating to approximately £6-million over the life of the project. 

“This is not an abstract commitment to renewable energy, it is a practical local project with clear outcomes – clean generation within Cornwall, reduced carbon emissions and sustained funding for local communities. 

“Construction of the current phase is expected to conclude this month, after which the turbines will export low-carbon energy to the local and national grid.”