One of the turbines operated by Ecotricity at Conisholme (NE Lincolnshire) suffered a catastrophic structural failure in freezing conditions during the night of January 3rd/4th. Two huge blades were severely damaged after apparently making contact with the tower. One blade has fallen to the ground only after shedding large pieces of debris from height and over a wide area. The base of the tower shows signs of a major impact as the blade smashed through the entrance structure at ground level before rolling into the neighbouring field. During sub-zero temperatures, this accident, combined with the recent “ice shedding” incident at Whittlesey and the subsequent shut down of the turbine there, is raising concerns over safety and design.
Ecotricity emergency engineers arrived on site at 15.00 on January 4th to begin an examination of the damage and assess the cost of repairs needed. The local residents and numerous people we saw taking pictures are asking questions about the safety of these turbines and the impact and huge costs of repairs. Ecotricity are being watched carefully by local people who supplied these pictures and campaigned to prevent this wind farm being constructed. Many others are now asking similar questions.
This is further evidence (if it were needed) that the x8 130metre high turbines proposed for Baumber (41 metres taller than those at Conisholme) will be sited too close to homes and the public highway. Similar increasingly common structural failures or shedding of debris or ice would pose unacceptable dangers to local people and a critical danger to motorists.
East Lindsey District Council must look carefully at any future proposal with these growing safety concerns in mind.
The public is watching!
Click photos for larger size:
bwag.co.uk [1]
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[1] bwag.co.uk: http://www.bwag.co.uk/#/carnageatconisholme/4532461839
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