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 do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Campaigners welcome appeal refusal for Kilranelagh Wind Farm
Save Wicklow’s Ancient East and West Wicklow Wind Action Group have both welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse permission for a wind farm at Kilranelagh Hill. ABO Wind Ireland Limited were seeking ten-year permission for five wind turbines, one electrical substation and one 30m meteorological mast in the townlands of Kilranelagh, Colvinstown Upper, Ballinaroan Upper, Bolleycarrigeen, Cloghnagaune, Downings, Spinans West, Kill, Eadenstown South, Eadestown Middle, Ballintruer More, Castleruddery Lower and Castleruddery Upper, Wicklow. The application was initially submitted to . . . Complete story »
Battle lines drawn over windfarm plans on world-renowned peatland
Long and narrow, Loch Shin stretches for 18 miles across awe-inspiring North Highland landscape, a haven for salmon, trout, ospreys and otters, it is hugged by unspoiled peat moorlands and rolling hills. For visitors to the town of Lairg which sits at the southeast edge of the loch, there’s the curious ‘wee hoose’ to photograph – a tiny whitewashed building on a island in the middle of the water – and the glorious sight of salmon leaping at the Falls . . . Complete story »
Shock as National Grid proposes 180km of new pylons across East Anglia
Local MPs and campaigners say plans to run a new power line, carried by pylons across East Anglia to London, should be ditched in favour of undersea cabling. The government’s plan is to generate 40 GW of offshore wind by 2030 – that’s enough to power every home in the country. East Anglia already has some of the largest offshore wind farms in the world and several more have been given the green light. The challenge will be bringing the . . . Complete story »
Windrad bei Trinwillershagen: Rotorblatt abgebrochen
[Rotor blade broken off wind turbine near Trinwillershagen] Ein Flügel einer Nordex-Windkraftanlage bei Trinwillershagen ist abgebrochen. Die Suche nach den Gründen läuft. Das Rotorblatt soll schnellstmöglich ersetzt werden. Was ist denn da passiert? Fährt man dieser Tage auf der B 105 mit dem Auto von Damgarten in Richtung Stralsund oder andersherum, könnte einem auf Höhe Wiepkenhagen etwas Ungewöhnliches auffallen. Man muss schon etwas genauer hinschauen, damit einem auffällt, dass auf einem Acker südlich der Bundesstraße etwas fehlt bzw. nicht da . . . Complete story »
Proposed Berwickshire wind farm would have highest turbines yet
EDF Renewables wants to create a 100MV wind farm called Dunside on moorland in the Lammermuir Hills, on land owned by Roxburghe Estates. Up to 20 turbines, each with a tip height of up to 260 metres, are proposed. A scoping application as part of an assessment of the potential environmental impact of the scheme ahead of any future planning application was submitted to Scottish Borders Council in March. Council officers have now given a response to the bid as . . . Complete story »
Cavan farmer loses challenge against mast
An environmentalist has lost his High Court challenge against an Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant permission for a weather mast at a wind farm in Co Cavan. Val Martin had challenged the board’s decision in October 2020 to grant permissions to Raragh Developments for a meteorological mast and the retention of associated developments at the five-turbine Raragh Wind Farm, Corrinshigo, Co Cavan. Mr Martin, a farmer and environmental campaigner who lives near the wind farm, is also the Irish spokesperson . . . Complete story »
Scottish Government ministers clear the way for Limekiln wind farm extension plan
The onshore wind scheme at Limekiln Forest will make “a valid contribution” to the fight against climate change and UK energy security, according to the managing director of one of the renewable energy companies behind the venture. Esbjörn Wilmar, of Infinergy, said he was delighted that Scottish Government ministers had supported the recommendation from a public local inquiry held last June and had given the go-ahead for the Limekiln extension plan. The proposal consists of five turbines which will bring . . . Complete story »
New offshore windfarms must do more to help protect Kittiwakes and other seabirds
Wind farm developers are being urged to factor local seabird population trends into plans to avoid contributing to species decline, says new ZSL-led study. Offshore windfarm developments could avoid adding to the plight of wild birds such as the black-legged kittiwake, by ensuring that the most recent data on local populations is considered when planning, says new study from ZSL (Zoological Society London). Research published today in Conservation Science and Practice shows that although the UK has some of the . . . Complete story »
Alarming 99% decline in gulls raises questions over expanding wind farms
* Shocking 99% decline in Lesser Black-backed gulls at Suffolk coastal site * The amber-listed gull is especially vulnerable to collision with offshore wind turbines * Plans to further expand industrial wind projects in the area could prove disastrous for birds A shocking 99% decline in the population of Lesser Black-backed gulls raises serious questions over the impact of industrial wind farm development in the North Sea. Huge wind farms nearby … The alarming reduction in the numbers of breeding birds . . . Complete story »
Guilty plea by Kerry windfarm firm over the death of employee in Sligo landslide
A company director has pleaded guilty to two charges brought under health and safety legislation arising out of the death of a worker who was killed in a windfarm landslide. Denis Moriarty, The Kerries Limited, pleaded to two charges when arraigned before Judge Catherine Staines at Sligo Circuit Court. The company has registered offices at Monavalley Business Park, Tralee, County Kerry. The charges relate to a landslide in December 2016 at Derrysallagh wind farm, Glen, County Sligo which claimed the . . . Complete story »
