Overview
Goonhilly Downs Wind Farm is an operational onshore wind facility in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with a capacity of 12.09 MW, owned by REG Windpower.
Goonhilly Downs Wind Farm is an operational onshore wind facility located on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, United Kingdom. With a capacity of 12.09 MW, it is a medium-scale wind farm contributing to the region's renewable energy generation. The facility is owned by REG Windpower, formerly Cornwall Light & Power, and has been operational as part of the UK's growing wind energy portfolio. The wind farm utilizes modern wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity. In the United Kingdom, onshore wind projects operate under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity generation. The UK government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, and onshore wind plays a key role in this transition. Goonhilly Downs Wind Farm contributes to local and national renewable energy goals by supplying clean electricity to the grid. Its location on the Goonhilly Downs, a site with a history of telecommunications and now renewable energy, underscores the area's role in technological innovation. The facility helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the UK's energy security.
Environmental context
The Goonhilly Downs area is a heathland landscape of ecological importance, hosting rare flora and fauna. Onshore wind farms like this one can impact local bird and bat populations through collision risks, and their visual presence alters the landscape. However, proper siting and mitigation measures can minimize these effects. The facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the UK's climate goals.
Frequently asked questions
Goonhilly Downs Wind Farm is located on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, United Kingdom, near the Goonhilly Downs area.
Goonhilly Downs Wind Farm has a capacity of 12.09 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale onshore wind facility.
Goonhilly Downs Wind Farm is owned by REG Windpower, which previously operated as Cornwall Light & Power.
The UK supports onshore wind through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable prices for low-carbon electricity, and through national targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Onshore wind farms can affect local wildlife, particularly birds and bats, and alter landscapes. However, they provide clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping combat climate change.