Cheverton Down

Fossil fuel consumption (coal, gas, and oil) is dramatically changing our climate. The need for clean and renewable forms of energy is crucial for our future. Fossil fuels cannot be sustained because they are a limited resource and will eventually run out. The demand however will always be there so new methods of generating energy are needed. Current manufacturing productions are using unsatisfactory amounts toxic chemicals where they mostly could be replaced with less damaging substances. However due to the financial limitations this is not always possible.

In this project I’ll be researching and focusing on Cheverton Down, a small three turbine wind farm in Brighstone, Isle of Wight. I will be finding out what potential wind energy has compared to conventional methods. This is a subject that has always interested me since I visited a wind farm in Cornwall. I believe that renewable energy sources are required if we are to protect valuable resources for future generations. I believe that wind energy is the best method of generation in this country, this is due to the reliability of the source compared to solar or tidal.

For qualitative and descriptive questioning I will be looking into the factors that are required to build and run wind farms. Then specifically what problems occurred and have been overcome in Cheverton Down. I will also find out what other applications the technology can be used for in other scientific fields such as transport.

I will be looking at the economic viability of wind energy in relation to the current technology today. A quote from the World Trust website states “The UK Government’s figures shows that all wind power will be cheaper then nuclear by 2020.” Then I can compare it to today’s conventional methods. I will then focus on ethnographic reasoning, finding out how wind power came about and why it is being used today.

I will be using Primary and Secondary research techniques. I chose this site as it is within travelling distance. Meaning that at some point during the project I have the option to do a field study and visit the site. As global warming is getting a much greater media attention there have been numerous surveys produced. I can easily refer to these for statistics and social opinions. Most of my research will be secondary such as literature reviews and case studies.

There are many different types of analysis methods; Numerical, Statistical, Economical, and Cost Benefit Analysis. Firstly numerical analysis, comparing Cheverton Down to other known sources of power such as solar and tidal. From This I can then employ statistical analysis. Finding out how much money is needed to set up a site, and what the annual power output is. Then from economic analysis I can find the regions most suited to wind power. Also which regions have invested most in this technology and why. I will have to take in to account the social and political views, as each potential site has different views on this subject.

For my project I will need to think about the content of my work, such as the vocabulary, organisation, and the layout. All technical terms will have to be explained as appropriate. The layout must clear and readable and I must also include a reference list.