The timeline of planning and construction
Project conception
Two residents meet in a Bristol pub and agree to build a wind turbine. It is Bristol’s year as European Green Capital.
Land agreement
ACE starts to develop exclusivity agreement for the use of land with Bristol City Council which is ultimately signed in 2021.
Grid connection secured
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Planning approval granted
On the 8th July 2020, ACE’s planning application, supported by comprehensive and detailed environmental, ecological, transport, and community reports, receives a unanimous vote for approval from Bristol City Council’s Planning Committee. The permission is granted for 25 years from commissioning.
Planning conditions met
Pre-construction planning conditions are met and approved by Bristol City Council, thus allowing the project to progress.
Financial close
The wind turbine receives loan funding from Thrive Renewables, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital, members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, and a £0.5m grant from West of England Combined Authority (WECA) via the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Construction contracts are signed
Contracts are signed with Enercon Energy UK for the supply of the turbine and Knights Brown Ltd for the balance of plant (civil and electrical) work.
Groundwork commences
Work begins on site with clearance and the construction of access roads.
Foundation works begin
The 22 18m long piles are installed. The pile foundation is needed because the soil quality is very poor.
The initial steel reinforcement is placed to start the formation of the concrete foundation for the turbine.
Power Purchase Agreement signed
ACE signs a power purchase agreement with Bristol-based OVO Energy to sell the energy produced.
Blades and tower delivered
Two weeks after arriving in the UK, the three blades are delivered to the site with a police escort. The tower sections arrive two days later.
Blades and tower delivered
Two weeks after arriving in the UK, the three blades are delivered to the site with a police escort. The tower sections arrive two days later.
Tower, nacelle and rotor assembly
Following set up of the specialist crane, the tower sections are delivered and assembled and the nacelle and rotor are added over a four day period.
Blade installation
It then takes a further week to install all three of the blades.
Commissioning
The commissioning process begins to ensure the turbine is in working order.
Turbine fully operational
After six years the turbine is finally fully operational.