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.
Locals welcome the chance to voice their opinions on windfarm policy
A decision to invite public submissions on proposals for windfarms has been welcomed by a West Cork group. Members of Crushterra Voluntary Community Group – one of three groups that met with Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communication, Climate Action and the Environment in Dunmanway recently – expressed their concerns about the proliferation of wind turbines in West Cork. A spokesperson for the Crushterra Voluntary Community Group, Nicola Hassett, welcomed the opportunity to make submissions, saying that they could potentially . . .
Second turbine approved for Heath and Reach
Speaking before the CBC planning committee last Wednesday, Heath and Reach parish Councillor Paul Green said: “The residents feel really let down by this application as there have been complaints ever since the original turbine was imposed upon them.” His views were backed up by Cllr Budge Wells, who referred to turbines as “predatory robots” blighting the countryside.
Subsidy-free wind farms risk ruining the industry’s reputation
Energy companies that stunned the world by offering to build wind farms with no subsidy may ruin the industry’s reputation by never actually delivering on their promises. That’s the warning of industry executives, who are cautious about the future of zero-subsidy offshore wind farms planned in Germany this year. Developers led by Energie Baden-Wuerttemberg AG and Dong Energy A/S are betting they can sell the electricity they produce from the wind farms at a profit without any help from taxpayers. . . .
La transition énergétique allemande jugée ambiguë
[German energy transition deemed ambiguous – Despite the spectacular development of renewable energy in Germany, the end of coal remains very remote.] Malgré le développement spectaculaire des énergies renouvelables en Allemagne, la sortie du charbon demeure très lointaine. Une semaine avant les élections législatives, dimanche 24 septembre, France Stratégie dresse un constat sévère. Après les premières années d’euphorie, place aux dures réalités. « L’horizon s’est obscurci » sur la transition énergétique allemande, souligne France Stratégie, l’organisme de réflexion rattaché au premier ministre, dans . . .
Public meeting called over a planned windfarm close to Portarlington
A public meeting is being held in Portarlington this Wednesday night for people who may be concerned at a planning application for a windfarm close to the town, and visible from one of it’s beauty spots. Offaly County Council is considering an application by Moanvane Windfarm Ltd, part of Element Power renewable energy company. The application is for a windfarm of 12 turbines close to the Laois border, visible from Derryounce Lakes. The planned turbines would have a tip height . . .
‘Rights of people are being squashed. It is impossible to take on wind farm firms’
Some nights, Sean Harris is sitting watching the TV and he thinks he hears the fridge humming. On other occasions, he has been out on the road around his home in Ballyduff in West Waterford, and the engine sounds as if it’s a car approaching him from behind. Those are the more benign effects of the Barnafaddock Wind Farm, as he sees it. He is not alone, but neither are his problems shared with huge numbers in his rural community. . . .
German state plans 1.5km setback; North Rhine–Westphalia decree would also ban wind farms in forests
The new CDU/FDP coalition government in Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine–Westphalia, has issued an amended decree with new setback distance rules for wind farms. Developers would need to consider a minimum distance of 1.5km from municipalities and would no longer be allowed to install wind farms in forests, according to the decree. Stakeholders have until 20 October to comment on the decree, with two hearings planned. The decree could enter into force early next year, the government said. The . . .
Wind farm exceeded blade size, say Waterford residents
Planning regulation and inspection around windfarms is expected to come under further scrutiny following claims that a windfarm in Co Waterford was built with larger blades than allowed for. The Barnafaddock wind in Ballyduff Upper consists of 11 turbines, for which eight were granted permission to include blades of 90m in diameter. Three other turbines on Coillte lands have permission for a 103m diameter. However, residents have complained to Waterford City and County Council that the diameter on all the . . .
Turbines approved despite Loch Doon impact fears
The Scottish government has approved 18 turbines in southern Scotland despite fears over their impact on the landscape around Loch Doon. E.On has been given consent – with conditions – for the development near Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries and Galloway Council, East Ayrshire Council and Scottish Natural Heritage all voiced concern about the effect on the nearby loch. The Scottish government said steps had been taken to mitigate the impact. The turbines of the Benbrack project will be . . .
Fresh wind farm plans for Barrel Law
Wind farm developers are hoping a fresh bid for a site near Ashkirk will fly beneath the radar this time. An initial application for Barrel Law was turned down by Scottish Borders Council due to fears the eight turbines would interfere with RAF detection systems. The Ministry of Defence’s objection on grounds of possible interference with radar at RAF Spadeadam and seismic monitoring at Eskdalemuir was upheld by planners. An appeal by ABO Wind UK was later turned down by . . .
