Wind Power News: Europe
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.
Study of wind turbine effects on seabirds ‘very optimistic interpretation’ of data, RSPB says
The Scottish division of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has hit out against a study published today on the risk to seabirds through collision with offshore wind turbines, calling the findings a “very optimistic interpretation of data”. The new collaborative report by the Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Programme (ORJIP) claims that seabirds are at less risk than first thought and that the collision rate is “less than half of what would be expected”. Despite being a . . . Complete story »
Highland council to defend refusing planning to wind farm due to ‘visual impact’
Lawyers yesterday urged Highland Council to change its objections for its refusal of planning permission for a 19 turbine wind farm in Caithness. The move followed the removal of the RSPB charity’s own objections to the development. Now with the application due to be reviewed at an inquiry in Lybster, the council will base its decision solely on “visual impact grounds”. The committee previously the wind farm application for Golticlay at a hearing in September 2017. At the time it . . . Complete story »
Small old wind towers make for big new problems
One source of clean energy is turning into a dirty problem for Europe. Wind turbine blades have to be light and strong, which makes them very difficult to recycle. The Continent’s first wind farms, built three decades ago, now host many towers that are too old, too small and too inefficient to keep working. That means dealing with heaps of waste created by green energy – particularly the high-tech blades made of exotic compounds that are difficult to recycle. “We’re getting . . . Complete story »
Wind farm objectors’ claims over assessment obligations upheld by European court
The Court of Justice of the EU has upheld arguments by opponents of a wind farm concerning the extent of Coillte’s environmental responsibilities in relation to grid connection works for a wind farm in Co Laois. The objectors case raised important issues concerning the extent of obligations under the EC Habitats Directive. When referring the issues to the CJEU in March 2017, the High Court’s Mr Justice Max Barrett noted the objectors argued the possible extinguishment of the Nore Freshwater . . . Complete story »
In Sweden, wind farms and warplanes battle for airspace
Several wind farm projects in Sweden are under threat due to the government’s decision to reserve more airspace for its armed forces, according to two companies and an industry lobby group. In November, the government said its air force had labeled more airspace as low-flying zones in order to protect its operations from the expanding wind power industry. The move, to avoid planes colliding with wind turbines, has created uncertainty for a number of planned wind farms. Sweden’s largest utility, . . . Complete story »
Inch Cape decision has ‘no link’ to Nicola Sturgeon’s China visit
The decision to call in a planning application for a wind farm development in East Lothian has “no connection whatsoever” to the First Minister’s recent trip to China, MSPs have been told. The move will see ministers rather than East Lothian Council assess Inch Cape Offshore Limited’s (ICOL) application for planning permission on the site of the former Cockenzie power station. Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart said the proposed project is in an area covered by the national planning framework . . . Complete story »
Opponents to Laois windfarm receive boost with EU court ruling
The EU Court of Justice has upheld arguments by opponents of a wind farm concerning the extent of the state agency, Coillte’s, environmental responsibilities in relation to grid connection works for a windfarm in Co Laois. The objectors case raised important issues concerning the extent of obligations under the EC Habitats Directive. When referring the issues to the CJEU in March 2017, the High Court’s Mr Justice Max Barrett noted the objectors argued the possible extinguishment of the Nore Freshwater . . . Complete story »
Giant wind turbine near Pen-y-Fan pond sparks strong objection
An application to build a wind turbine more than 100m high near the Pen-y-Fan Country Park has been met with strong objection. Thirty-five letters against the proposal to build the turbine, with a maximum tip height of 113m, at the Durisol UK facility on the Pen-y-fan industrial estate were received by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning authority. Rhianon Passmore, the Islwyn AM, also submitted an objection letter and a petition with 94 signatures outlined residents’ concerns to the plans from . . . Complete story »
Windfarm plans ‘grounded’
Aviation chiefs have grounded plans for a new windfarm close to Glasgow over safety fears. Proposals to build six turbines 76.5m in height in Newton Mearns were presented to East Renfrewshire Council’s planning committee last week. But councillors rejected the plans after National Air Traffic Service (NATS) bosses raised concerns about losing track of planes. NATS claim the turbines could interfere with their radars in Glasgow and Cumbernauld, with the potential for air traffic controllers to mistake them for planes. . . . Complete story »
Decision due on Moanvane wind farm
A decision is due later this month on a planning application for a proposed wind farm in the Moanvane area of north Offaly. Moanvane Wind Farm Limited is seeking 10-year permission to build 12 turbines on land between Cloneygowan and Portarlington, which would have a tip height of almost 170 metres each. The development also includes plans for an amenity trail, parking, recreational facilities and an electrical substation. The application was submitted to Offaly County Council last September and in . . . Complete story »
