| Wind Watch is a registered educational charity, founded in 2005. |
MP’s fears over wind farm plan
Credit: Canterbury Times, www.thisiskent.co.uk 29 December 2011 ~~
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Redundant wind turbines would destroy coastal views and harm the area’s economy because there are no plans to dispose of them at the end of their working life, an MP has claimed.
Julian Brazier, MP For Canterbury and Whitstable, is challenging Vattenfall’s controversial scheme to extend the Kentish Flats wind farm off Herne Bay and Whitstable.
He has voiced his fears to energy minister Charles Hendry.
Mr Brazier says increasing the existing 30 turbines by up to 17 will have a “negative” effect on coastal towns.
He said: “The turbines are visually intrusive on otherwise beautiful views.
“I understand that Vattenfall do not have plans for when the turbines become obsolete as there is no decommissioning programme. This raises the spectre of a coastline dominated by rusting hulks.”
Mr Brazier claims the extension – which will be closer to the shore – will threaten fishing.
He added: “The yachting community is also concerned that two new rows of turbines on the western edge of the wind farm will close off a major crossing route for small vessels accessing the north Kent coast.
“It would be better to move the turbines further out to sea, perhaps as a larger group, which is more economical and would still achieve satisfactory electrical generation to serve the National Grid.”
A spokesman for Vattenfall said: “We will look very carefully at Mr Brazier’s objection, as we do with all comments on our proposal to extend Kentish Flats offshore wind farm.”
He said a decommissioning plan would be prepared and agreed with the Crown Estate and Secretary of State. The company says a financial guarantee is already in place which covers the cost of decommissioning.
This article is the work of the source indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.
The copyright of this article resides with the author or publisher indicated. As part of its noncommercial educational effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe “fair use” as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar “fair dealing” provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail.
| Wind Watch relies entirely on User Funding |
 (via Stripe) |
 (via Paypal) |
Share:
[ Short URL: https://wind-watch.org/news/?p=17155 ]
