Wind Power News: U.K.
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.
Residents ‘not properly consulted’ over huge windfarm development on outskirts of Largs
Residents living near a potential wind farm to the north of Largs were not properly consulted over the controversial development, an MSP has claimed. MSP Katy Clark has called for locals to be ‘more closely consulted’ over the proposed Rigghill Wind Farm Development south east of Skelmorlie. Renewables company Burcote Wind and Italian developer ERG Group plan to build 10 giant turbines with a tip height of up to 150 metres. North Ayrshire Council unanimously rejected the developer’s proposal in . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines, cables and trenches: Is another way possible?
With a decision due this week on whether a major East Anglian wind farm can go ahead, the industry and local opponents are as far apart as ever. But their dispute centres on one particular issue. STUART ANDERSON tries to get to the bottom of it Within five days we can expect a decision from business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng on whether to allow the Boreas windfarm off the Norfolk coast to be built. If he says yes, it is likely . . . Complete story »
Mid and East Antrim wind farm under Stormont ‘holding order’ as councillors go against experts
The Department for Infrastructure has put a holding order on a windfarm Mid and East Antrim councillors passed in a protected area near historic Slemish after being advised against it. Planners, the Department for Agriculture, Environmental and Rural Affairs and RSPB NI all opposed the application for seven 125m high turbines in the ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’. Among the reasons listed were fears the turbines could result in the permanent displacement of already declining curlew and hen harriers on . . . Complete story »
More than 80 Norfolk parishes protest against wind farm plans
More than 80 Norfolk towns and villages have joined forces in a plea to the Energy Secretary to refuse planning consent for what would be the largest offshore wind farm in the world. Their intervention comes just days before a decision on the first of the wind farms is due. Swedish energy giant Vattenfall plans to build two vast offshore wind farms off the Norfolk coast, Boreas and Vanguard, which between them will provide enough renewable electricity for almost four . . . Complete story »
Wind farms paid to switch off over cable delays
ScottishPower and National Grid will pay a record £158 million compensation to consumers after wind farms were paid to switch off because of delays to a new subsea cable to export power from Scotland to Wales. The regulator said the delays made it hard for renewable energy generators in Scotland to export green electricity to England and Wales from wind farms and led to higher costs to households as alternative sources of energy were used to plug the gap. In . . . Complete story »
Wind farm planning appeal to be lodged before Christmas
Viking Energy’s appeal against a decision by councillors to reject a proposal to move the location of two concrete batching plants is set to be lodged in the coming weeks. The decision, made by Shetland Islands Council’s planning committee in September, went against the recommendation of officers. A Viking Energy Wind Farm (VEWF) spokesperson said on Monday: “I can confirm that the recent batching plant decisions will be appealed. “The relevant submissions are being finalised by VEWF’s legal advisors and . . . Complete story »
Fire fears over huge battery storage plants for wind farm
A wind farm developer is hoping to build a massive battery plant south of Norwich to ensure there is enough energy when the wind stops blowing. But the plans, at the three-hectare site between Swardeston and the A47, have sparked concerns about fire safety from experts and local councils. Hundreds of lithium-ion batteries will be placed in containers around two buildings up to 15 metres high. It will mean that energy generated by Ørsted’s new offshore wind farm, called Hornsea . . . Complete story »
Greystone Knowe: 14-turbine Borders wind farm plans filed
Plans or a 14-turbine wind farm in the Borders have been filed with the council. The Greystone Knowe development – around 2.5 km west of Fountainhall – is a joint venture between ESB and Coriolis Energy, according to papers submitted as part of the application. Scotland’s current climate change ambitions has been given as a reason for the proposed turbines, which would have a maximum tip height of 180m. Documents submitted to the council state: “The UK and Scotland’s current . . . Complete story »
Whitelaw Brae: Wind farm extension backed by government
A five-year extension to a Tweeddale wind farm has been given the green light by the Scottish Government. In 2017, the 14-turbine Whitelaw Brae development in the Tweedsmuir hills was granted an operational life of 25 years, despite concerns over its visual impact. And now the turbines – which stand at a maximum height of 133m – will be in use for an extra five years. The Scottish Government said that the extension would support its climate targets. Scottish Borders . . . Complete story »
Path clear for construction to start on Strathy South Wind Farm after Ministers give go-ahead to taller turbines
A bid by power company SSE Renewables to increase by 65m the height of turbines on its planned Strathy South wind farm has succeeded. Scottish Ministers have agreed to grant a variation to the existing planning consent, allowing the height to be raised from the initial proposed 135m to 200m, which will make the turbines the tallest in the area. SSE Renewables has welcomed the decision, with project manager Jon Soal saying it reflected the “incredible levels of support” for . . . Complete story »
