August 20, 2014
Scotland

Governments ‘turning cartwheels’ to suit windfarm firms, claim opponents

By Claire Warrender | The Courier | 20 August 2014 | www.thecourier.co.uk

The UK and Scottish Governments have been accused of “turning cartwheels to inflict monstrosities” on the people of Fife.

The comments by Graham Lang, chairman of anti-wind turbine group Scotland Against Spin, follow an announcement that a Dutch firm wants to build two demonstration turbines off the coast of Buckhaven.

2-B Energy intends to apply for permission for the 606ft structures approximately a mile into the Firth of Forth.

If granted, the two or three-bladed turbines could be there for 20 years while the company tests and demonstrates the new technology to the UK market.

They would be near the 646ft Samsung turbine, which has barely turned since it was put up at Fife Energy Park last year.

Because the turbines would be offshore, the application will go to the Scottish Government rather than Fife Council.

Mr Lang said: “While the Samsung turbine, Scotland’s biggest, most costly green elephant stands idle, looming over the good folk of Methil, another scheme for two turbines in the Firth starts its process through Marine Scotland planning to be decided in due course by Scottish ministers.”

He added: “They are not very sure what they are applying for. It might have two blades but it could have three.

“It might be on a lattice tower like a giant transmission tower but could be a normal tubular tower.

“And if they don’t erect a demonstration turbine to experiment on they will just put one up the same size from an established manufacturer.

“What is certain is that it is for a period of 20 years, which is way beyond the normal lifespan of a demonstration turbine, so the development is really for an offshore windfarm under the guise of an experimental turbine to reduce turbine costs going forward.

“The UK and Scottish Governments are providing £5.5 million of funding and will turn cartwheels to inflict these further monstrosities on the residents of Methil, Buckhaven and Leven.”

Councillor Tom Adams, chairman of Levenmouth Area Committee, said it was important local concerns were taken into consideration. Locals will be able to discuss the plans at public meetings organised by 2-B Energy later this year.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/20/governments-turning-cartwheels-to-suit-windfarm-firms-claim-opponents/