New wind generator installed at St Agnes coastguard station as refurb works near completion
It means the station will soon return to full operational capacity after being badly damaged by storms in 2023.
Volunteers at St Agnes coastguard station are celebrating a major milestone in the station’s refurbishment programme with the installation of a new wind generator.
The high performance 'Superwind generator' will now deliver a reliable source of off-grid power.
Described as ‘game changing technology’, it'll power all the vital equipment used at the station with green power.
A fundraiser was set up after the station was hit by significant damage during multiple storms at the end of 2023 to restore it to full operational capacity.
Over £17,000 was raised and a renovation programme is due to be completed by spring.
The money was raised from a grant from Cornwall Council and support from the local community.
NCI Station Manager at St Agnes Mark Weston said: “Our station is very exposed and takes a real battering from the weather, with vital equipment and many wind turbines being lost over the years.
"By the end of 2023, our previous wind turbine and solar panels were damaged beyond repair, leaving us barely able to function.
"We have had a fantastic response to our pleas for help and we’re now seeing the transformation taking place.
“Thanks to the successful application for a Cornwall Council grant, a favourable fundraising campaign and a significantly reduced price for the Superwind 353, we now have full operational capability.
"The Superwind has thus far been a revelation, surviving storms, which previous wind turbines would never have survived.
"It really is a game-changing piece of technology and engineering.”
Dr Martin Helmhart, Superwind GmbH Business Development Manager added: “Our generators provide power to other NCI stations so when we heard that NCI St Agnes also needed a reliable off-grid power supply, we had no hesitation in offering our support to help the lifesaving work.
"We’re delighted that it’s proved itself already and look forward to the opportunity to see it in action."
Work is now ongoing to focus on improving the external areas of the lookout, with new signage, a history information board, and external signage to encourage more visitors to the lookout.
Over the last year, the programme of refurbishment works has included:
- New wind turbine (Superwind 353)
- New solar panel (donated by Natural Generation, Perranporth)
- A resin roof (provided by JR Roofing)
- New windows and door (provided by Martys windows)
- Internal refurbishment
- New flooring (provided by Eden Flooring)