Volunteers at NCI St Agnes Head are celebrating a major milestone in the station’s refurbishment programme with the installation of a high-performance wind generator described as “game changing technology”.

The Superwind 353 generator provides green energy to run all the vital equipment needed by the National Coastwatch Institution volunteers, who help to keep people safe and save lives at sea by keeping a daily visual and radio watch of the coast.

The station’s exposed location enjoys panoramic views across the Cornish coast, but leaves it vulnerable to significant damage in rough weather. Following multiple storms in 2023, NCI St Agnes Head started a fundraising campaign to restore the station to full operational capacity.

Over £17,000 was raised, and renovations are due for completion this spring thanks to a successful application for a Cornwall Council grant of £24,000 and generous offers of support from local companies, industry and the local community.

Station manager Mark Weston said: “Our station takes a real battering from the weather, and 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. We now have full operational capability, and the Superwind 353 has 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 Head also needed a reliable off-grid power supply, we had no hesitation in offering our support to help the lifesaving work. We’re delighted it’s proved itself already.”

Work will now 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.

Once completed, NCI St Agnes Head lookout - one of 60 NCI stations around the coast of England and Wales - will hold a rededication and open day before the end of March.

The station also received a new solar panel donated by Natural Generation in Perranporth, a resin roof provided by JR Roofing, new UPVC double-glazed windows and door provided by Marty’s Windows, internal refurbishment by Future Kitchens and flooring provided by Eden Flooring.

Generous donors included Graham Pearce (£5,000), St Agnes and Perranporth Rotary Club,(£500), the Fortitude Lodge of Mark Masters 78, Perranporth (£500) and NCI Porthscatho (£500).

The NCI was launched in 1994, after a fishing boat sank in Cadgwith Bay with the loss of two crew. Many coastguard lookouts had been closed down; the NCI now operates 60 stations around the coasts of England and Wales, staffed by more than 2,800 volunteers from all walks of life who are fully trained in disciplines including reading maritime charts, operating VHF radios and interpreting weather and tides.

To donate or offer volunteer services, contact [email protected]