Screggagh wind farm: Investigation ‘shuts down’ seven remaining turbines

Credit: BBC News | 4 January 2015 | www.bbc.co.uk ~~

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Seven remaining wind turbines have been shut down at a wind farm near Fintona, County Tyrone, where a 100-metre high turbine collapsed on Friday night, its owners have said.

The director of Screggagh Windfarm Ltd, Doreen Walker, said the wind farm will remain closed until an investigation confirms they are safe to operate.

The turbine collapsed on Friday night, scattering debris over a wide area.

Winds were said to be light at the time.

The owners have said they are working closely with the suppliers of the turbines, to ensure that the site has been made safe.

“We are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the collapse of the turbine at Screggagh wind farm,” Ms Walker said.

“The Screggagh wind farm has been completely shut down since the wind turbine collapsed on Friday evening.

“It will remain shut down until Nordex UK Ltd has completed a full investigation into the remaining seven wind turbines and confirms that they are safe to operate.”

Blades spinning

The turbine has a tower height of 60 metres, an 80 metres rotor diameter, and an overall base to blade tip height of 100 metres.

People in the area said the rotor blades were spinning out of control on the evening the turbine buckled.

The sound of the failing mechanical structure was heard more than seven miles away.

Debris from the stricken turbine was scattered across the mountainside and a large spike remains impaled in the earth several hundred yards from the turbine site.

Ms Walker added that there were no injuries and no personnel on site when the turbine collapsed.

“All of the debris from the collapsed wind turbine was contained within the wind farm site,” she said.

“No debris went on to the public road or neighbouring/adjoining land holdings.”

The turbine is one of eight on Screggagh farm which was commissioned in April 2011.

Screggagh Windfarm Ltd said a further statement will be issued once the investigation is completed.

Source: BBC News | 4 January 2015 | www.bbc.co.uk

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