Wind Power News: U.K.
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These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted.
David verus Goliath at wind farm inquiry
A “David and Goliath” struggle between islanders and the might of a powerful developer was played out during a public inquiry into the huge Eishken wind farm plans for Lewis.
Effectively a test case, the 53 giant turbine wind farm raises serious alarm of a widespread national magnitude as over half of it, including 20 miles of wide access roads and 5 large quarries borrow pits, would be spread over the South Lewis, Harris and North …
Giant wind turbines planned for farmland
Up to six giant wind turbines could be built on land near the junction of the M1 and M18.
Chesterfield-based Banks Developments are to apply for planning permission to build Rotherham’s second wind farm on land known as Penny Hill, between Ulley and Thurcroft.
Today Rotherham Council said it has not received any planning application — but admitted it is in talks with Banks Developments about the proposals.
The company is to hold a series of public exhibitions …
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Swishing blades spoiling our TV pictures, say residents
Telly fans are seeing double after two giant wind turbines started operating on a South Yorkshire industrial complex.
The turbines operated by the University of Sheffield are sited on Waverley Advanced Manufacturing Park, just off the Parkway between Sheffield and Rotherham.
But people living in nearby Catcliffe claim the 90ft swishing blades of the turbines are causing ripples which are affecting their TV and mobile phone reception.
Now angry residents are calling for action after they say their …
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Wind farm would be 'catalyst for change'
A planned 53-turbine wind farm in Lewis would be the catalyst for regenerating one of the most disadvantaged areas in the Western Isles, an inquiry was told yesterday.
Six of the turbines have been signed over to the community and will bring in more than £1 million a year. The development will also create up to 100 direct and indirect jobs and could help establish a new sub-sea connector to the mainland.
The £120 million plan by …
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Bad vibrations
No one will insure against wind turbine vibration consequential harm such as landslip, flooding, water pollution, wiped-out fish stocks, damage to whisky/bottled water industries, tourism and other potentially serious problems outlined in my petition to the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish MSPs are now considering raising a parliamentary question or motion calling for a moratorium on all wind farm installations, and Parliament has required the Scottish Government’s chief scientist to consider these vibrations.
So who will bear such losses? …
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Industrialisation of Findhorn area and Dava Moor
Dixie Dean, writing about the development of wind farms on the peatlands of the Dava Moor (’Tests for approval of wind farms“, in ‘The Northern Scot’ of May 2) warns of increased flooding and water pollution along with damage to tourism and whisky interests.
His alert to the harmful industrialisation of this area is timely: a developer’s application for a wind farm on peatland within the Findhorn catchment and Dava Moor area is now on public …
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Wind farm death knell fears
Fears that the death knell has been sounded for West Hinkley wind farm were raised this week, with the sale of its rights to Electricite de France (EDF).
The energy firm has already announced its interest in investing in nuclear energy and bought the rights for the wind farm from Your Energy.
EDF also owns a piece of land adjoining the existing nuclear plant, which campaigners fear will be used to build more nuclear reactors.
Stop Hinkley spokesman …
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Firm prepared to wait for Ceres windfarm verdict
The company behind the Ceres windfarm proposal will not appeal to the Scottish Government at this stage — despite Fife Council not yet having decided on the application lodged nearly a year ago.
EnergieKontor submitted its plans for a five-turbine development at Gathercauld in late May 2007.
However, councillors have not considered the scheme, with planning officials still to confirm whether a report will go to the north east Fife area committee on June 25.
Company general manager …
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Opposition to downsized wind farm
A controversial wind farm development has been downsized by the company behind the proposal.
However, the bid to site 59 wind turbines at Dorenell Farm on the Glenfiddich Estate has still met with strong opposition.
Wind farm developers Infinergy had originally proposed erecting 71 turbines, each 126 metres tall, on the remote site at the Cabrach, 8km south of Dufftown.
Following local consultations last year they have submitted a revised application to the Scottish Government for approval.
Project manager …
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Eishken windfarm inquiry enters fourth day
The proposed 53 turbine wind farm at Muaitheabhal on Eishken Estate in Lewis would be a catalyst for the regeneration of one of the most disadvantaged area within the Western Isles. It could bring major benefits, including the provision of a new sub-sea connector to the mainland.
This was stated by David Stewart, a planning consultant, in his evidence to the public local inquiry at Stornoway which entered its fourth day today (Friday).
Mr Stewart, who has …
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