October 26, 2011
Scotland

Wind turbine project under the microscope

Brechin Advertiser, www.brechinadvertiser.co.uk 26 October 2011

Plans or a wind turbine project at Balrennie Farm, near Edzell, came under the spotlight at a recent meeting of Inveresk Community Council.

Those in attendance heard that a formal application has been submitted for the project by Intelligent Land Investments Renewable Energy.

Representatives of the company were in attendance at the meeting, along with members of the community council and interested members of the public.

The meeting was informed that, by 2020, Scotland’s target for renewable energy was 100%, a leap from the original 50% figure.

Representatives of Intelligent Land Investments (ILI) made it clear they do not construct wind farms, rather single wind turbines, or, at most, three at a time.

It was claimed that the wind turbines they construct were: “at a medium level – a whole different ball game.”

It was also also claimed that land-owners who have the turbines constructed on their land could benefit from a 20-year income – “a long-term income-stream to a lot of farmers”, along with a lot of employment being created.

At the meeting, the proposals were met with a negative feedback from most of those present.

“Where are these turbines made?,” asked one of the company present. It’s not Scotland.

“Going by the presentation, you imply there will be local jobs created with this project, when it actually appears that not one job will be created here.

“You then say that this is a for Scotland as a whole, but the things aren’t even built in Scotland.”

Another added: “What actual benefits are there for the community?”

There was also some scepticism as to the benefits of a fund which could see money paid back into the community each year.

The community council is urging anyone with a view on the proposed wind turbine project at Balrennie Farm to write to Angus Council, and make their thoughts known ahead of its consideration by the development standards committee.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/26/wind-turbine-project-under-the-microscope/