Kent prison unlocks renewable energy potential

A Kent prison has today unveiled its first completed wind turbine installation that will cut operating costs and further improve the prison's carbon footprint.


The two-turbine, 4.6MW development at HMP Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Sheppey Prisons Cluster and wind energy developer Partnerships for Renewables (PfR).

The turbines provide the MoJ a rent based on a percentage from the sale of the electricity generated, which will save the public money, create clean energy on public land and help the MoJ to improve its sustainability credentials.

Governor of the Sheppey Prison Cluster, Sarah Coccia, said: “One of the responsibilities of my role as Governor is to find ways to reduce the overheads of the prison and therefore provide better value for the taxpayer”.

The development will be officially switched on by MP Gordon Henderson later today.

Commenting on the development, Henderson said: “I am a big supporter of renewable energy, not only from an environmental perspective, but because I believe it is vital to long term energy security in our country.

“Despite what the critics would have us believe, wind can become a cheap and clean energy source.

“Of course, where wind turbines are located is important. I believe that on balance these two turbines are in an acceptable location which is why I am delighted to officially switch them on,” he added.

Leigh Stringer

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