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.
Sark: Wind farm firm suggests rat cull to protect seabirds
Black rats could be culled in Sark to offset disturbances to seabirds caused by wind turbines in England. Energy firm Orsted said culling the predators could increase the birds’ survival chances on the island and help maintain British Isles populations. The aim is to compensate for a planned wind farm called Hornsea Four with 180 turbines about 40 miles (65km) off Flamborough Head in Yorkshire. A survey has been handed to all Sark residents to gather their opinions. Concerns have . . . Complete story »
Claim that landscapes are being ‘trashed in pursuit of profit’ after Limekiln approval
Landscapes in Caithness and other parts of Scotland are being “trashed in pursuit of profit” by wind farm developers and landowners, it has been claimed. Jillian Bundy, chairperson of Caithness West Community Council, said wind energy developments were “never-ending” and maintained they had little to do with addressing the climate emergency. She was speaking after Scottish Government ministers supported the recommendation from a public local inquiry held last June and gave the go-ahead for the Limekiln extension plan at a . . . Complete story »
Net-zero ‘loophole’ exploited by wind farms could add £300 to household bills
A net-zero loophole being exploited by wind farm owners could add as much as £300 per year to consumer bills by 2028, campaigners have claimed. The owners of two wind farms that struck deals with the Government to generate electricity for a guaranteed rate have already postponed the start of the contracts in order to benefit from record prices – in a move that it is claimed could lead to consumers paying between tens and hundreds of millions of pounds . . . Complete story »
Villagers in Armadale join forces to resist wind farm scheme
Battle lines have been drawn up over newly tabled plans to develop a 12-turbine wind farm on the north Sutherland coast. Residents are gearing up their bid to stymie the multimillion-pound venture which they claim would blight the scenic village of Armadale. As well as living cheek by jowl with the 490-feet high devices, they fear they would have to endure problems with noise and shadow flicker. They also believe the wind farm would drive tourists away from their village, . . . Complete story »
Campaigners seek judicial review of ‘harmful’ Suffolk substation plans
Campaigners are seeking a judicial review into the construction of two eight-acre substations near a Suffolk village as part of an offshore wind farm project. Substation Action Save East Suffolk (SASES) fears plans to create the substations at Friston will have a harmful impact on the village and the surrounding countryside. The infrastructure is part of the development of East Anglia One North and East Anglia Two off the Suffolk coast and will receive electricity generated by these wind farms. . . . 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 »
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 »
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 »
