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Wind Power News: U.K.: ''
Blow to wind power revolution as grid struggles to keep up
Samuel Rickitt is among the many green energy entrepreneurs trying to meet the Government’s call for a boom in green electricity generation. But as he sets out trying to set up a new 49.9MW solar park in Staffordshire, he has come up against a problem: several other new energy projects are in the works nearby, and the local substation needs to be upgraded so they can safely join the electricity grid. Mr Rickitt, director of operations at RevolutionNRG, has been . . . Complete story »
Backlash over plans for 250-metre wind turbines on Anglesey
The Welsh Government should insist on solar panels being mandatory on new buildings rather than “using Anglesey as a factory to generate electricity for the rest of Wales.” That’s the view of one councillor amid the authority’s condemnation of proposed planning guidelines which include a “presumption” that a vast swathe of central Anglesey – one of several areas across Wales – is suitable for solar and wind farms up to 250 metres in height. The Welsh Government is currently consulting . . . Complete story »
Rise of solar power could force wind farms to temporarily shut down as UK has ‘too much energy’
The rise of solar power usage and more efficient appliances in the UK could see the National Grid overwhelmed with extra energy this summer resulting in wind farms temporarily shutting down – a move that could ultimately cost UK bill payers. With UK households and businesses producing their own off-grid power by installing solar setups such as rooftop panels the reliance for energy from the National Grid has fallen dramatically according to its annual summer outlook report. While this sounds . . . Complete story »
Lincoln County Council’s ”serious concerns” over Triton Knoll
Lincolnshire County Council has responded to the public inquiry into the Triton Knoll wind farm – raising concerns about its impact on the environment. It argues the developments would have adverse consequences on the coastal landscape and the local tourism economy. These latest concerns follows the council’s issues with developer RWE’s approach to local consultation. Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Environment and Planning, said: “We’ve had serious concerns throughout the planning process. “Each of these projects is likely to . . . Complete story »
England will be covered by turbines, warn campaigners
Half of England will be covered by wind turbines, solar panels and fuel crops unless there is huge investment in energy efficiency, campaigners have warned. A report by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) says there is a need for much more focus on conserving energy and reducing demand as part of efforts to tackle climate change emissions, rather than just making heat and power supplies cleaner. Even ”fairly ambitious” measures to give major efficiency make-overs to 65,000 homes . . . Complete story »
Plans for huge wind turbine at Bodmin Moor heritage site slammed by residents
Angry residents have condemned plans for a 115 foot high wind turbine close to the World Heritage site on Bodmin Moor. The structure near Upton Cross would be visible from the ancient Cheesewring landmark in an area of outstanding beauty and great historic value. The Cornish Cheese Company want to erect the turbine to provide it with a renewable energy source, but the plan has fallen foul of Cornwall Council planning officers, who say the turbine will cause significant harm . . . Complete story »
Derby’s idle wind turbines ‘a waste and a flop’
Residents in Spondon are ”appalled” because two controversial wind turbines are still not producing energy regularly. The 130-metre structures, in Megaloughton Lane, are not working because of issues with the radar system at East Midlands Airport. The turbines, which were installed in December, are located in a “sensitive area”, according to the airport, and when switched on, appear as an unidentified object on the air traffic control display. Ray Mellor, of Wingerworth Park Road, said: “It seems incredible that with . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine plans at Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse thrown out by planners
Proposals to build a giant wind turbine at the countryside setting of bestselling book War Horse have been thrown out by planners. Celebrated author Michael Morpurgo was among dozens of people who fought plans to install the 145ft (44.5m) tower in Iddesleigh, Devon. He argued the 225 kilowatt device would “despoil” the rural community made famous by his First World War novel, which spawned a stage play and a Hollywood blockbuster directed by Steven Spielberg. His supporters also argued the . . . Complete story »
High Court overrules turbines’ permission
Two wind turbines erected in Golant, which sparked anger in the village, face an uncertain future after the High Court overruled an appeal decision to allow them to be built at South Torfrey Farm. Cornwall Council had refused planning consent for the 21m-high structures, but applicants Simon and Debbie Andrews were allowed to erect them after a government planning inspector ruled in their favour. Now the High Court has quashed the decision of the inspector after a successful challenge by . . . Complete story »
The best deal offered to Scotland or just bribery? Two communities split by wind farm
This is a tale of two communities and a wind farm in West Lothian. One, the village of Kirknewton, is mostly thrilled at the prospect of a new wind farm, which stands to deliver many millions – but which cannot be seen from there because it is five miles away. Then there is the other, the people living near to the site, Fauch Hill, along the road below it and in the nearby village of Tarbrax, some of whom may . . . Complete story »
