Wind Power News: U.K.
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 and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Donald Trump claims ‘hideous and noisy’ windfarms will make Scotland a laughing stock
Donald Trump has claimed an increasing proliferation of windfarms will make Scotland the ”laughing stock” of the world. In a strongly worded tirade against Alex Salmond’s renewable energy ambitions, the US billionaire also suggested the policy could threaten the prospect of Scottish independence. The row came after Mr Trump said plans for a windfarm have forced him to put development of a £750 million golf resort on the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire on hold. The new comments are his most . . .
Burnham wind farm debate heats up as both sides announce meetings
A series of meetings regarding the controversial plans for the Pilrow wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea will be held later this month by protesters and the developers of the scheme. Broadview Energy, the firm behind plans to build the four 130m tall turbines next to Rooksbridge, will be holding its own series of public exhibitions when residents will be able to view the proposals. Broadview’s exhibitions will be held on Monday 20th February in Mark Village Hall from 9.30am to 1.30pm . . .
Huff and puff of wind farm critics falls on deaf ears
It’s not quite a case of biting the hand that feeds; after all Alex Salmond and his ministers played the Donald Trump application for that golf course in Aberdeenshire strictly by the book, didn’t they? Still, the fuss that the American businessman is making over an offshore wind farm that, presumably on a clear day, could be seen from his fairways and hotel must be a bit of a surprise, to say the least, for our SNP masters. He’s made . . .
Turbine plan rejected
An appeal has been lodged after controversial plans that could lead to eight wind turbines being put up were rejected by planners. Cherwell District Council rejected the plan for a 60-metre high wind monitoring mast north of Hanwell, near Banbury, in December. It said the plan was “intrusive”, the developer had not shown wildlife would be protected and it posed a risk to planes from Shotteswell Airfield. Energy firm Regenco wants the mast to test whether the site is suitable . . .
On the path to a dark, silent forest of spruce
Caithness has few really good paths. There are plenty of rather boring forest tracks and roads, but if you want a good long walk you have to be prepared to read a map, cross pathless country and tackle obstacles such as ditches and wet ground. There are plenty of places where good, signposted paths could be made but in general there has been neither the will nor the money to do it. A piece on the radio about walking old . . .
Community fund for windfarm locals
Developers behind the Harbourcross wind farm proposal are offering a potential community fund to those who would be affected by the development. Wind Ventures are hoping to install five wind turbines to the north east of Meddon, which are estimated to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 5,500 homes. But Ross Glover, managing director of Wind Ventures, explained that community engagement is crucial to the development, despite protests from anti-windfarm campaigners. He said: “This is why we have . . .
Is your money blowing in the wind?
Wind turbines have become a familiar sight in the Scottish landscape. From the centre of Glasgow, the Whitelee Windfarm at the southern edge of the city can clearly be seen. Wind farms have been promoted as a cental plank in the renewables energy policy which will allegedly revitalise the Scottish economy and save the planet. But how much of a contribution do the turbines make to the energy needs of the nation? And how much does it cost when the . . .
Dorset MPs back campaign for wind farm rethink
Dorset MPs have backed a campaign by their colleagues asking the Government to reconsider its support for wind farms. More than 100 Conservative backbenchers are rebelling against Downing Street’s backing of onshore turbines, along with a handful of Lib Dem and Labour members. Dorset MPs Robert Syms, Bob Walter, Chris Chope and Richard Drax have all signed the letter. Bournemouth MPs Conor Burns and Tobias Ellwood are unable to do so, as they hold positions as Parliamentary Private Secretaries. But . . .
Subsidy cuts could pull the plug on community green energy schemes
Community scale green energy projects could be put out of business by Scottish Government plans to slash subsidy support for onshore wind and hydro schemes, the SNP has been warned. Under current proposals, subsidy levels for hydro schemes would be cut by half and for onshore wind projects by a tenth, so funds can be diverted to newer forms of renewable technology, such as wave and tidal projects. Dozens of small-scale community-owned wind and hydro schemes are springing up, generating . . .
Northamptonshire MP leads bid against wind farm subsidies
More than 100 MPs have signed a letter urging the Prime Minister to slash subsidies given to wind farm developers. Conservative MP for Daventry, Chris Heaton-Harris, believes a cut would dramatically reduce the high volume of wind farm applications in Northamptonshire. Mr Heaton-Harris’s letter, which has been signed by 106 MPs, including 101 Conservatives, also put pressure on David Cameron to give local people more influence to stop developments being built. He said concern over wind farms was one of . . .
