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.
Caithness farmers claim noise from surrounding wind farms is making them ill
A couple who farm within sight of two Caithness windfarms say their health is being compromised by the constant noise of turbines. Hamish and Lesley Ritchie keep around 170 sheep on rough grazing at Achaguie Farm, Scotscalder. They are within earshot of 42 wind turbines – 21 at Causeymire and 21 at Baillie, near Reay. A further 21 turbines have been approved in the same area, for a site at Limekiln. The couple say that the “whooshing” sound of the . . . Complete story »
Massive wind farm plans released
Plans to cover hills to the west of Welshpool in wind turbines have been released by the Welsh Government, and there may not be much we can do it about it. The proposals (pictured) have been described as “potentially devastating” by local Assembly Member, Russell George, who has reacted strongly to the Draft National Development Framework, a new development plan which will set the direction for development in Wales from 2020 to 2040. It sets a strategy for addressing the . . . Complete story »
Power cut: Gas plant and wind farm failures at same time plunge UK into darkness
Two faulty generators are to blame for a major power cut that caused travel mayhem and an electricity outage for almost a million people in England and Wales. One of the worst power cuts in Britain in years may have been caused by simultaneous failures at a gas-fired power plant in Bedfordshire and an offshore wind farm in East Yorkshire, according to experts. Energy watchdog Ofgem has demanded an urgent report from National Grid into how the failure happened as . . . Complete story »
Huge UK power cut caused by generator ‘failure’ at Hornsea wind farm
A major power cut caused chaos across the country after it is believed that a generator at an offshore wind farm in Hornsea failed to connect. Almost one million people across England and Wales experienced blackouts after there were issues with two generators, according to the National Grid Electricity System Operator. Professor Tim Green, co-director of the Energy Futures Laboratory believes one of the generators was at Hornsea with the other at Little Barford in Cambridgeshire. He said: “The first . . . Complete story »
Hearing held over Barrel Law wind farm plans
A hearing has been held by Scottish Government officials to discuss the proposed new wind farm at Barrel Law, near Hawick. In September, plans for an £8m wind farm were rejected by Scottish Borders councillors. The proposal would have seen seven turbines, of up to 132m in height, erected on land to the north-west of Roberton, near Hawick. The company behind the plans, Germany-based ABO Wind, then submitted an appeal to the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division (DPEA). . . . Complete story »
Windfarm rejection must put pylon plans on hold, say campaigners
Power giant SSE must put pylon plans for Dalmally on hold, say campaigners, now that Scottish ministers have turned down a new windfarm just 10 miles away on grounds it would spoil the view. No More Pylons in Dalmally say the ministers’ decision that the 18 wind turbines would have significantly impacted North Argyll’s natural beauty and panoramic quality must now alter Scottish and Southern Energy’s position on wanting to put a new power line through Dalmally to Stronmilchan sub-station. . . . Complete story »
Wales reveals wind farm priority areas
The Welsh government has unveiled proposals to introduce new priority areas for large-scale wind farms as part of a draft national development framework (NDF). The plan details 11 areas throughout Wales where there will be presumption in favour of development for wind projects of 10MW and above. Wind farms in locations outside the priority areas will not carry explicit Welsh government support and proposals will be determined on their individual merits. The proposed priority areas will supersede the Welsh government’s . . . Complete story »
Power firms ScottishPower and SSE call for more onshore wind turbines
Energy firms have launched a lobbying offensive that could result in a new generation of wind turbines being built in rural Britain. Executives at major power companies are urging the Government to lift the restrictions which currently block the building of onshore windfarms. Their demands could trigger the construction of a swathe of giant turbines as the country battles to meet ambitious targets to slash carbon emissions and to provide the power for electric vehicles. The Mail on Sunday can . . . Complete story »
Councillor expresses lack of faith over ‘scandal’ approval of wind farm development in Caithness
A Highland councillor yesterday expressed his lack of faith in Scottish Government planners over their decision to grant planning permission to a controversial wind farm development in Caithness. Councillor Donnie Mackay, vice chairman of the North Planning Applications Committee, delivered the scathing view after the committee was delivered the findings of the public inquiries held into the developments at Limekiln and Drum Hollistan, near to the village of Reay. Mr Mackay made the remarks as the committee meeting drew to . . . Complete story »
Kirkby windfarm firm wins appeal following public inquiry
A controversial windfarm has been given the green light following a public inquiry. In December 2017 South Lakeland District Council rejected Ventient Energy’s planning application to extend the lifespan of the Kirkby Moor windfarm. Ventient then appealed and in January this year a Planning Inspectorate public inquiry took place at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston. The planning inspectorate has now revealed the appeal has been successful and has overturned the council’s original decision. Campaigners against the windfarm have described the . . . Complete story »
