'Significant' investment in Gulliver wind turbine Lowestoft

Gulliver wind turbine at Ness Point in Lowestoft is set to undergo a series of refurbishment works to upgrade the landmark.

Since it was installed in January 2005, Gulliver wind turbine has been situated on the UK’s most easterly point at Ness Point in Lowestoft as it looms large over the town.

Days after this newspaper revealed Suffolk's first commercial wind turbine could be unveiling some changes - as advertisement consent plans were lodged - renewable energy investment company, Thrive Renewables, said it will be starting works as part of a "major overhaul" next month.

It will see the nacelle - which houses the gearbox and control systems of Gulliver - and blades at the top of the tower refurbished and upgraded.

Gulliver, the wind turbine at Ness Point in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest Library (Image: Archant 2006 (Image: Archant � 2006)

With Thrive Renewables acquiring the wind turbine at Ness Point in 2005, the owners said they are now set to undertake a significant overhaul "to secure the future of the Ness Point wind turbine in Lowestoft".

As the works are scheduled to start in late August, Thrive Renewables said it "will allow the turbine to run reliably into the future," generating clean power for UK homes and businesses.

Adrian Warman, head of operations at Thrive Renewables, said: "When built, Ness Point was cutting edge technology - the largest wind turbine in the UK.

"Almost 20 years later, technology has moved on and when faults do appear they become more difficult to repair as the necessary parts and expertise are much harder to source.

"This is why locals may have seen the turbine out of operation for extended periods of time, which we recognise has been frustrating.

"After exploring the options available to us, we have decided the time is right to make a significant investment in Gulliver’s long-term future with a full overhaul of the generator to enable it to operate reliably going forward."

Works are expected to be completed by the end of October.

As part of the refurbishment, Thrive Renewables lodged plans to update the logos displayed at the top of the tower, adding this week that "the refurbishment will go ahead whether or not the new logos are permitted".

According to the renewable energy investment company, Gulliver has a 2.75MW capacity, enough to power over 2,200 average UK homes per year.

Benefits

Thrive Renewables runs a voluntary Community Benefit Programme with the Centre for Sustainable Energy that provides grants of up to £4,500 for energy efficiency improvements in community centres, village halls and other shared spaces, making them warmer and cheaper to run.

Since the scheme started, three community buildings in the Lowestoft-area have benefitted – Wrentham Village Hall, Community Action Suffolk’s Kirkley Centre and North East Suffolk CAB.

With round eight of the scheme now open to applications, community buildings in Lowestoft and the surrounding area are encouraged to apply.

Visit its website for further information.