Volunteers at NCI St Agnes Head are celebrating a major milestone in the station’s refurbishment programme with the installation of a high performance Superwind generator which is now delivering a reliable source of power to the off-grid station.
The installation of the new wind generator at the station’s exposed location with panoramic views across the Cornish coast has been described as ‘game changing technology’. It helps provide the green energy to run all the vital equipment needed by the charity’s volunteers who help to keep people safe and save lives at sea by looking out for anyone in potential danger by keeping a daily visual and radio watch of the coast.
Following significant damage to the station during multiple storms at the end of 2023, NCI St Agnes Head started a fundraising campaign for a refurbishment programme to restore the station to full operational capacity. It is one of 60 NCI stations around the coast of England and Wales.
Over £17,000 was raised and renovation programme is due for completion this spring. It has only been possible after a successful application for a grant from Cornwall Council and incredibly generous offers of support from local companies, industry and the local community, said NCI St Agnes Station Manager Mark Weston.
“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,” he said.
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,” he said.
The main work packages included as part of the Cornwall Council Grant, have now been completed. Work is now going to focus on improving the external areas of the lookout, with new signage, a history information board, and new external signage to encourage more visitors to the lookout. When this is completed NCI St Agnes Head lookout will be holding a rededication / open day before the end of March.
All NCI stations rely totally on donations, and any offers for funding or sponsorship please contact the station manager via email [email protected].
Over the last year, the programme of works has included:
· New wind turbine – Superwind 353 installed by one of NCI St Agnes volunteer watchkeepers, Paul, with additional electrical kit donated by Shiny Electrics. · Thanks to Cornwall Council for providing a total expenditure of £24,284.85 grant from the Cornwall Council Prosperity Fund.
· New solar panel – donated by Natural Generation, Perranporth.
· A Resin Roof provided by JR Roofing
· New UPVC Double glazed windows and door provided by Martys windows
· Internal refurbishment carried out by future kitchens
· New flooring provided by Eden Flooring
· Funds received with thanks from generous donors including : Mr Graham Pearce who generously donated around £5000, St Agnes and Perranporth Rotary Club, St Agnes – £500; Fortitude Lodge of Mark Masters 78, Perranporth – £500; NCI Porthscatho – £500
